Crohn's Treatment that is not an immunosuppressant

Hi all

I am caught between a rock and a hard place. Since 2002 to fall 2008, I was on Imuran to help control my Crohn's. I may have had a flareup every 1-2 years that 30-35mg of Prednisone over a 6-7 week period would fix. Fall 2008 I was dx'ed with a large tumor, small bowel cancer. I stopped the Imuran immediately as there was always a slight risk it may contribute to getting some form of cancer, but for me it could never be proven.

So now, after 6 months of chemo from Dec 08 to May 09, recovery from chemo during the rest of 09, my Crohn's seems to be active in the duodenum area plus whatever else too such as bacteria and/or yeast that can not be confirmed. Antibiotics and Pred seemed to help over Christmas quite well actually, but since mid-January my condition has gradually decreased. I don't have any pain or cramps but constant heartburn in the throat, stomach discomfort / upset, decent appetite but could be better, days of low energy, and weight loss.

So having said all that, my GI suggested trying Imuran again to help get the Crohn's settled, even if its a small dosage for now. I was on the fence with this and talked to my oncologist who said any immunosuppressant drug has a risk in theory. But he said I have to weigh the risks of going on Imuran again against the quality of life I am experiencing now....hence the rock and hard place.

So my question is...is there a maintenance drug for Crohn's that is NOT an immunosuppressant??

Thanks

The only drug I can think of are the 5-ASAs, but they don't work for most people. All of the others have some effect on your immune system, unless you decide to go the natural route. You're in a really difficult position, I can understand why you're torn. I don't know what I would do because you definitely don't want your cancer to relapse, but at the same time you don't want to have a terrible quality of life either. What about trying TPN then going on some sort of 5-ASA after?

Yes LDN and Dieting is really the only way that doesnt suppress the immune system..

If only someone was sure if we had OVER or under active immune systems.. immnuosuppressants would be ok. lol

I take Pantoloc for heartburn and Pentasa already. Have been taking both for years. Pentasa will do little for Crohn's in the duodenum.

I am also taking Glutamine and acidophilious. And Diflucan for possible yeast at the moment.

The LDN...I read about that before...I should note that to suggest to my GI in 2 weeks. Thanks!

yankeespg23 said...
You can ask about Asacol or 6MP. both 5 asa's

Asacol is another possibility too I guess. I was on that many years ago, like 15+, and was switched to Pentasa. Asacol is an anti-inflammatory.

6MP is similar to Imuran as far as I know. From medicinenet.com

medicinenet.com said...
Azathioprine (Imuran) and 6-mercaptopurine (6-MP, Purinethol) are medications that weaken the body's immune system by reducing the population of a class of immune cells called lymphocytes. Azathioprine and 6-MP are related chemically.