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Ulcerative Colitis
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Posted 4/13/2017 9:28 PM (GMT 0)
How long does this take to work?

I have been taking it now for 9 weeks. I have seen an improvement in that my frequency and urgency have reduced and I now go 3-4 times a day. Twice in the morning and sometimes later in he day. The blood I thought had gone but he last week I have seen a very small amount.

Is it still early days? I am still taking 20mg of pred. I had been on pred for over a year and was never able to reduce it without flaring. I really want aza to work because surgery is my only next option.
Posted 4/13/2017 11:32 PM (GMT 0)
about 3 months for full effect.
Posted 4/14/2017 12:53 AM (GMT 0)
It is still fairly early, so I would expect to see more improvement, considering it sounds like you're doing pretty well. Are you using anything else with it? How about rectal meds? Have you had the levels checked ot make sure you're on the right dose?

Surgery is a hassle, but i am so thankful I am not worrying about tapering off prednisone, buying drugs, taking drugs, being forced to see doctors for refills and blood draws, or considering expensive biologics. There are some nice things about being rid of the colon. Some bad too, like going more often...
Posted 4/16/2017 5:30 PM (GMT 0)
Thanks for your replies.

I am taking 3600mg of mesavant, salofalk enemas and 20mg of pred. My medical notes say mesalazine failed but I still use them in the hope that they help a small bit. I am dependent of steroids high doses, my symptoms always came back as I lowered the dose.

Just read the info I got from my consultant about aza.That said it could take up to six months.

My other question is can you still have flareups when taking aza. I am under a great deal of stress at the moment which doesn't help. I spoke to my IBD nurse, who I have an appointment with next week, she is going to check my levels and she said hopefully it is just a blip. This is worrying me.
Posted 4/17/2017 12:47 AM (GMT 0)
"My other question is can you still have flareups when taking az?"

Yes, there's no UC treatment that can prevent flares. Best they can do is increase the length of your remissions, and make flares less frequent and less severe when they do happen.
Posted 4/17/2017 2:02 PM (GMT 0)
If you see improvement that means its working. Even after 3 months if you don't see complete remission, don't quit. It gets better every month.

I have been on 6mp since Sept 2013. And off Uceris since March 2014. I did not feel 100% for 6 to 8 months but my colonoscopy was good in 2014 and then in 2016. I do see blood once in a while but then I control my diet and use canasa and able to control it.

Don't give up if your blood tests are good and you see improvement. Wish you long remission very soon.
Posted 4/19/2017 9:53 PM (GMT 0)
Thanks PamSmith.

I think over did it with the diet. Too much icecream, chocolate eggs and vino over Easter. I wont give up. Got an appointment tomorrow with the specialist nurse. I am better than I have ever been in the last year. Definately seen improvement. It is still early days. Will see what they say tomorrow.
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