Why is my flare not ending???

I suppose a lot of you flaring at present, are asking the same question. I have been flaring since March. I was originally on Asacol then my GI doc tried Pentasa granules and then Colazol (along with rectal meds). Then when they failed, I was started on a course of steroids. They took three weeks to kick in on a 40mg dose but when they did they worked really well. My GI doc then told me to taper off them and I tapered off them well. I didn't have a return of symptoms when I went down to a low dose. Then about three weeks after finishing my course of steroids, the symptoms crept back. I was started on Imuran 100mg dose in mid-June whilst on steroids too. I have been on Imuran for 12 weeks now. Then three weeks ago when I complained to my GI doc that I had not noticed a change in my symptoms, he said I was not at the therapeutic level for the drug and increased it to 125mg per day along with Asacol. I have been on this dose for three weeks now and still have not noticed a change in my symptoms. I have had a recent blood test to see whether I am still not at therapeutic level but not had the results back yet.

To me, this drug is not looking hopeful? Surely I should have felt some relief by now? As mentioned in previous posts, my symptoms are not that bad and I am living a pretty normal life. The only thing that is bothering me somewhat are the mild abdominal cramps throughout the day which keeps reminding me that I do have inflammation when I shouldn't! I do not think my symptoms warrant taking the stronger biologic type drugs.

Any advice on those of you taking Imuran and whether you reckon this drug is going to kick in for me at some point or should it have happened by now??

Many thanks!!
I have not really noticed a change in symptoms. I am still having abdominal pain everyday.

Hi ipoop - I had a colonoscopy a couple of months back and I still only have left sided colitis. It has not spread. And the doc said it was mostly mild with a couple of moderate patches towards the top bend and middle of the descending colon. That is where my pain is. I was doing rectal meds. I have tried Pentasa enema and Predfoam. They worked in my last flares but this time they do not seem to have worked so I stopped using them. My GI doc said that he is not too concerned with the pain as he has seen my colon and there is nothing too serious up there. But I am the one suffering everyday with pains and its because of the inflammation.

I was using 200mg of immuran for a few years and it worked ok. Had the odd mild flare but that was it. Still wouldn't say I was in remission though as I would have regularly stomach cramps that last for weeks then just go. I was never in the therapeutic range only using about 60mg of the 200.
Recently my liver levels rose and I'm in a flare now, I've been put allopurinol with the immuran now to try get into that range. Not too confident about it I'd rather just get on remicade but they won't unless I try this.
I know how you feel about the cramps and the docs saying your ok and often telling us it's IBS that's bull crap! They don't care unless your in a bad way!
Rage

Gary - yes that's right back on Asacol with Imuran now because I tolerate Aasacol well and GI just said for me to continue to take it an a maintenance med.

Malaika - I hear what you're saying. I know there are many Uc patients out there that are much much worse than me. But I have tried to stay positive for six months. But when cramps are plaguing you every single day its pretty hard now. I also have a one year daughter and looking after her whilst feeling unwell is hard. I have been on Imuran for 12 weeks now and I thought I would have felt some relief. Yes you are right in that I have only been on the higher dose for three weeks. I am so fed up. I used to be a really strong willed person who could handle anything but this disease is kind of breaking me down:(

No not at all Malaika. I tell myself everyday that there are people much worse off than me. I have tried to be patient but as I am in pain it's hard to manage even the smallest things sometimes.

I suppose I just have to hang in there and wait and see.