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Imuran - off now for three months

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Ulcerative Colitis
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Posted 1/29/2008 9:29 AM (GMT 0)

Hi Guys,

 

I am a long time lurker here and very rarely post, but I would appreciate your help, as you're an experienced crowd !

 

I decided to come off Imuran three months ago, against my doctors advice, as we wanted to start trying for a baby this year.

The doc told me that in no certain terms should I go off it, as my whole colon was quite badly inflamed last year. Anyhow, I still decided to give it a go and see what happens.

 

I'm have been in a sort of remission now since August 2007, with only urgency to go couple of times in the morning, otherwise normal bowel movements.

 

Well, within the past week I have started noticing that my urgency to go in the mornings have increased and I even noticed some blood (very little in the poo) couple of days ago...

 

So, what do you reckon, should I go back to Imuran, as I know it can take a while to take effect, or should I see for couple more days and see if it calms down on it's on?

 

I'd rather be off the Imuran while we're trying for a baby...

 

Sorry for the long rant, it just get's to me sometimes :(

Posted 1/29/2008 2:13 PM (GMT 0)
I know you don't want to hear this, but I would probably go back on. I TOTALLY understand where you're coming from, we are starting to think about pregnancy also and I am on Imuran. But we recently saw a high-risk OBGYN at UNC, and they said it is ok to be on Imuran during pregnancy. not ideal, but better than a flare while pregnant, both for your health and that of the baby. It is a very individual choice, and a dificult one, and different doctors say different things, but I will say, that from the UC perspective, you can't get pregnant while flaring, period. it is dangerous for you and the baby. so, first priority, unfortunately, has to be a priority, and if you're alreday getting sick after only 3 months off Imuran, that may mean you need the medicine. that's my 2 cents. good luck
Posted 1/29/2008 2:32 PM (GMT 0)
I would call and get a script for rectal meds immedietly. If you try to nip a flare early it could work. Imuran will take another few months to kick in.

As for pregnancy look around this site (pregnancy and UC int he google search up top) we have been talking ALOT about this. Docs seem to be at odds about imuran and pregnancy but ALL of them agree that it is riskier to flare while pregnant than to be on imuran while pregnant. Have you talked to a high risk ob? That's my next step.

Good luck, let us know how it goes!
Posted 1/29/2008 4:28 PM (GMT 0)

Thanks for the responses !

 

I kind of thought that's what I would hear, but just wanted to confirm my own fears... I'll make an appointment to see my consultant and talk things over with me, he is very strict though and doesn't see there is anything wrong with having a baby while being on Imuran, so I guess that's my future.

    Unfortunately rectal medicines don't work for me that well, as the UC always starts very high up at the bowl and they normally don't reach that high up, might still give it a try though.

 

As said, better to be healthy rather than in a constant flare.

 

Thanks for the encouraging words!

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