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Saying Hello and after some advice.

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Ulcerative Colitis
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Posted 9/26/2016 10:59 AM (GMT 0)
Hey there

I've been scanning the forum for some time and figured I'd say hi and ask for a bit of advice.

I was diagnosed with UC when I was 15 (now 34). At the time I was put on pred and sulphasalazine and did quite well have a few flares and rounds on pred during high school.

I was lucky enough to have many years symptom free just taking the sulphasalazine.

Unfortunately around the age of 30 I had some stressful times and ended up in a flare. Since then it has been an up and down journey with many visits to my GI Dr.

I've been on many meds but am currently on Pentasa + half a tablet of 6MP. I started on 100mg but my liver was not happy. Finished a round of pred in August. Currently cramping a bit and stools vary quite a bit. I seem to get away with 1-2 toilet visits a day, 3 if I'm having a really bad time. No blood at this stage but I seem to rarely see it until I get really bad. My Dr has discussed Biologics and I'm getting ready to give it a go.

I just want another view point. Should I make the move now or wait and see if I can improve?

Thanks

Mike.
Posted 9/26/2016 11:52 AM (GMT 0)
Hi and welcome to the forum. Some do start biologics when their symptoms are mild, others wait until their symptoms are horrible and that decision is unavoidable. Two schools of thought here. First, hit the inflammation hard and early before it gets a chance to be worse to spread and be more severe. Second, only use a medication once it's absolutely necessary. Both have their pros and cons. I was prednisone-dependent and 8 months into a real bad flare when I decided to go on Remicade. I achieved remission for the first time thanks to it.

Have you had a recent colonoscopy or flexible-sigmoidoscopy with biopsies? Often they want to see how far and how severe inflammation is before starting the next class of medications. How bad are your symptoms, and blood or urgency? Generally 1-3 bms a day isn't all that bad unless there's some underlying inflammation and a disconnect between symptoms and actual inflammation (can happen).
Posted 9/26/2016 12:05 PM (GMT 0)
Symptoms seem to fluctuate a bit. Mostly some discomfort and some urgency in the mornings. No blood but I have had some loose BMs. Pain can get quite intense at times and sometimes a dull pain. Always lower left side.

Last colonoscopy in Feb with moderate left side inflammation. I was suffering badly then and went from quite well to terrible in the space of a week. I really don't want to get to that point again.
Posted 9/26/2016 12:19 PM (GMT 0)
Welcome!
Posted 9/26/2016 1:48 PM (GMT 0)
You could certainly try a prescription of pentasa/salofolk/rowasa/mesalamine enema and some fiber supplements (Metamucil) to see if you can manage without the biologic and continue healing. I'd say delaying would be reasonable in your situation, as your symptoms aren't really all that bad.
Posted 9/26/2016 2:18 PM (GMT 0)
Delaying seems reasonable if some other therapy is being tried. But, I would research the biological options now, and see which you and your GI lean towards. Also try to find out the cost after insurance of each.

Be prepared.

good luck
Posted 9/27/2016 12:32 AM (GMT 0)
Thanks guys. My GI Dr always states that my symptoms present differently to most. I'll ask about the enemas and see what he says. I have used some years ago.

I'm in Australia and I believe Biologics are covered on the PBS.
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