Azathioprine or Surgery

I would give the Immuran a try.  I currently take 200 mg of Immuran daily as well as remicade every 6 weeks, entocort and prednisone.  For a few months I have been tapering the Prednisone and now take only 3 mg a day.  Hopefully, in 9 weeks I will be able to discontinue the Predbisone for the first time in two years.  I have not noticed any side effects from any of the drugs with the exception of the Prednisone which is a wonder drug but has caused various side effects, including weight gain.  I am saving surgery as a last resort.

Hello everyone

To follow up on the original question.  I was wondering for all the Imuran users that have gone into remission from taking Imuran, how long did you stay in remission?  The answer would also be a factor in my decision. 

Thanks

Steve

My 18 yr old son went through all the drugs except azathioprine. He was getting sicker and sicker and we did not want the 2-3 month lag to see if it would work while keeping him on pred. He opted for a colectomy in Sept and will have a J pouch built in Jan. For him it was absolutely the right decision. The main point that I want to make is that even though he will always have, for the rest of his life, a lot of daily trips to the bathroom, HE IS HEALTHY!. This is huge and so often forgotten about. While UC was raging his whole body was so sick. Every blood test would come back that he was anemic and most blood levels were very out of wack. His heart was working much harder than it should and he got infections much more often than the rest of us. All this was taking a huge toll on him, not to speak of the possible long term effects of the drugs themselves. Literally within a few days of surgery he felt like a new person. A couple of weeks ago he had blood tests done and everything is normal and his heart rate and blood pressure are back where they should be. He has more energy than he can remember....he says that he truly forgot what it felt like to be healthy.

I know this is a huge decision and a very personal one. Either azathioprine or surgery are both big deals and both can have side effects. I would suggest, if you have not spoken with a qualified colorectal surgeon to do that sooner than later just incase the azathioprine does not work. Also take the time to find the very best surgeon in your area.

Two years ago we would not even mention the word surgery, but it truly has been a the very best thing we could have done. Most J pouchers will tell you that their only regret is that they did not do it sooner and spent all that time on heavy hitting drugs that in the end failed. I count my son as one of those people. That being said, I also know that there are a lot of people out there that the drugs are working for them.

I wish you all the best and if you have any questions about surgery to do not hesitate to ask us.

Cathy