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Prometheus and blood tests back - so much for 6 MP....

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Ulcerative Colitis
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Posted 6/3/2009 9:44 PM (GMT 0)
Well, good thing I have an appointment in two weeks with the special specialist in Albany. 

My blood tests came back good as far as white count, etc.  I had been taking 50mg. 6MP and then one week before test went to 75 mg. 6MP.  The test showed not at therapeutic level - meaning I need more - and I cannot tolerate more - too many side effects!  OR NP said maybe I had not taken it long enough - they are not sure.  BUT - good news is that I am not a candidate for anything toxic to happen taking it.

Hope Dr. MacDermott has some answers in two weeks.  I am doing ok - blood and mucous mornings and taking Imodium for control when I have to. 

ElaineNY

Posted 6/3/2009 9:54 PM (GMT 0)
     Good to hear that Elaine.  I went to my GI doctor today.  My white count is up to 4.0.   He wondered why it went up.  Well, I lowered my dose of the 6MP...that's why...but I didn't tell him that.  He said that is probably why I am flaring..my body is attacking itself.  Actually 4.0 is the lowest on the normal range for white counts.  I certainly was not comfortable with a white count of only 2.9.  He is doing a sigmoidoscope on Friday.  I just wanted him to take a peek up there but he said all he would see would be stool.  I am scared I will make things worse taking 2 Fleets enemas.
Posted 6/3/2009 9:59 PM (GMT 0)
Well, that's good that there's nothing to worry about as far as toxicity! I hope that it's just because you haven't been on it for long enough!
Posted 6/3/2009 10:00 PM (GMT 0)

I realize that most the news is good.  BUT - if I need to take 100 mg. 6MP and can't tolerate the side effects what good is it?  I have been taking it going on 4 months now - mostly at 50 mg.  - keep trying higher but getting sicker. 

Good luck to you - hope all comes out in your favor!

ElaineNY

Posted 6/3/2009 10:12 PM (GMT 0)
Elaine, I always feel so bad for you! You are one of those people that are darned if you do and darned if you don't. Just as a side note...I am always at the low end of the therapeutic level and in fact, I almost quit taking it. But out of the blue, bam, thrown into remission! So don't give up hope yet.
Posted 6/3/2009 11:34 PM (GMT 0)
Thanks! I am an optimistic person and feel remission is in my near future.
ElaineNY
Posted 6/4/2009 5:49 AM (GMT 0)
I usually post on the Crohn's board, but just started Imuran and so have been occasionally reading stuff over here about meds, etc and thought I might offer some input.
When you see the specialist, you might want to ask him about whether switching to Imuran (azathioprine) would be an option. The two drugs (Imuran and 6MP) work in basically the same way but are metabolized differently in the body so that it's possible you could switch to Imuran and either have less side effects so you could take a greater dose, or that you might even need a lower dose to get to therapeutic ranges, which could also minimize side effects. I don't have any personal experience with this, but I get the impression that people who don't tolerate one very well can often do better on the other, so you might want to ask the new doc about it.
Posted 6/4/2009 2:17 PM (GMT 0)
Elaine,

I am not at therapeutic level according to the Prometheus Test either and I take 50 mg also. Since I take 50 mg, my blood work is okay (blood count just slightly down, liver is okay) and one would think that 6MP is not working, BUT ... it is. I just had a flare that lasted 2 weeks and the only symptoms were colon cramps, more BMs, a bit loose BMS and nausea and that is gone. My flares usually last at least 3 months. So there is hope. Curious what your new doctor will say, but I ain't quit taking 6MP. It is doing something - probably just "cushioning" the extent of flares, but I am happy with that - so be it.

lenagirl is right. 6MP is basically the cleaner version of Imuran meaning less by-products (for a lack of better description). My doc also said that she will put me on Imuran should I ever have problems with 6MP. People who cannot tolerate 6MP or need higher doses usually fare better on Imuran.

Good luck!

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