(No Subject)

So had my scope today. Dr. considered my history of UC and said yes to surgery but after scope, which just finished prednisone RX . colon looked well with exeption of lower sigmoid and rectum which showed active UC. And a new DX of Diverticulitis....lovely! Due to recent prednisone the entire colon will only truly be dx by the biopsys done.
She has decided to try a new med approach considering biopsy are ok.
instead of 8-10 Asacol daily and pred to treat flares I will now take 6-MP and cortifoam enemas during flares, with yearly scope. Also blood work every 6 weeks to check liver from 6-mp
This to me sounds like a good idea and if I do run into problems from med then I can feel that I have exhausted every option to keep my colon. ..... thoughts?

Pan UC Diagnosed 25-30 yrs ago.
Asacol 8-10
Prednisone and Enemas for flares
Longest period of remission 3-5 yrs
3 flares in last 8 mo
Increased fatique last 5 yrs
52 yrs old
dysplasic show (mild) 8 yrs ago
frequent scopes post dysplasia clear.

Ellie

Crap , Diabetes! from prednisone? Yet another reason I want off that stuff.I have heard of nicotine helping UC interesting rx. I would like to know more about 6-mp , research says its a chemo drug , can have nasty side effects but dont they all. think it might be worth a try before j-pouch.
Thanks WODIN

I've had Uc for 20 years, went thru a whole slew of medications and the only thing that has really helped is 6mp with Remicade. I was on 6mp prior to the Remicade for about 5 years. It never got me into a great remission (hence the Remicade) but it has helped a lot of people with Uc. Don't pay no mind to what you read on the internet regarding 6mp. That is aimed for people that have had organ transplants. We take a much lower dosage. Yes it is a chemo drug but like I said, it's at a lower mg than the cancer patients. At first you may experience fatigue, headaches, mild hair loss and nausea but once your body gets used to it, it should subside. Which mg are you starting at?

Btw, I have diverticulosis as well. It's a pain to be honest. It bothers me more than Uc does at this point! I am in remission from my Uc but I just watch what I eat to avoid complications from the diverticulosis(itis). I have a pocket on my left and one on my right (the right one is worse).

I have a friend who has been on 6mp for 14 years to treat Crohns. He goes in every 3 months to check his liver enzymes. Just be prepared that it may take 2-3 months of taking the drug before you notice any changes.

Just took ultimate flora critical care probiotic, will see what happens. Always makes me nervous to take new things as my colon is so sensitive to anything. I cant even do a multi vitamin. vit e protein shakes nothing ... wish me luck. hope it helps.