Imuran Advice

I've been in a pretty bad flare for about 6 months - witha temporary remission in Feb when on 40 mg prednisone. Once I weened off, the flare came back quickly. (I don't do well on steroids due to side effects)

I've been on 4 pills Lilada a day but doesn't seem to do anything. I've tried Rowasa enemas but have a hard time keeping them in.

A recent colonoscopy shows mild inflammation throughout my colon - with moderate/severe inflammation on the left side & rectum. My symptoms are all of the greatest hits - diarrhea, bleeding, cramps, urgency, accidents, mucus. I've lost 15-18 lbs in these 6 months.

My GI is suggesting a steroid enema and the possibility of starting Imuran. I got the rundown on Imuran from her and the ball's in my court. Since i haven't had much luck with enemas in the past, I'm tempted to give Imuran a try. But, bone marrow and other potential impacts give me pause. I'd appreciate input!

Imuran is much much much safer than the inflamation from UC
Also they monitor your blood and if there are problems they can take you off of it
I hope you feel better really soon

Imuran/6mp are scary drugs but when I started 6mp my thinking was " If I have inflammation going on for too long even 6mp may not work and then I will have to take biologics with 6mp. So one is better than 2". I was on prednisone for 9 months and those effects are really bad.

Also I have been taking 6mp for over 1 1/2 year and don't see any major side effects. When you are in flare and think about it, it sounds scary but as you start feeling better, you don't think as much. Make sure you get your CBC and LFT checked regularly.

Wish you long remmission with what ever you decide.

make sure you eat with the imuran to avoid the nausea that some people get with it
i like to eat half my breakfast take it and than finish my breakfast
i hope you are feeling good very soon

I've been on it for 9 years now at max dose and it's been really helpful. It's put me in remission with no noticable side effects.