6MP, Too soon?

Hello all, I'm just looking for some opinions. I've had UC for about 8 years. One major flare to start off which prednisone cured. I basically took no meds for about five years afterwards with no symptoms. I quit chewing snuff around this time and things seemed to get a little worse after that. Had a mild flare about 2.5 years ago. Nothing like the first but enough that i needed prednisone to clear it. Went on asacol 12/day and now lialda 4/day. Scope six months ago showed mild irritation at sigmoid colon and a little further down. Went back a few weeks ago for scope to check healing and now it is still mild but up to transverse colon. I actually Was shocked because I feel even better now but doc wants to start 6mp. My wife and I are expecting baby #1 any day now and hope for a #2 some day. Doc says there's no other options. It's tough to feel so good and change something. I'm not really worried about taking 6mp other than being able to come off for baby #2. Should I listen to the doc or look for other opinions? Thanks for reading this lengthy message. All opinions welcome.

Since it doesn't look from your signature that you are using rectals, I would look for other options. Rectals would be my next addition, if I were you. Also, I am seeing an Integrative Physician who is working with me on making dietary changes (I haven't made any yet), as well as adding prebiotics and some other supplements because my GI wants me to add 6mp in addition to the Remicade-he wants me to maintain a longer remission, and the research shows the combo of the two works well together. I am going to try some other things first.

That said, there are a number of people who have used or are on 6mp with good results, so it might be worth it. But again, since it doesn't look like you are doing any rectals, I would definitely go that route first. I have had good luck with canasa (mesalamine suppositories) and many other have had good results with cort rectals and mesalamine enemas.

Good luck, and congrats on the new baby!!!

Thanks for the replies. My doctor said no more kids while I'm on 6mp and I've read about the birth defect risk though it seems there isn't much evidence to support it. I'm an extreme worrier though sometimes.

The other thing you may look into (with your doc's approval): some patients who are former smokers show huge improvement on nicotine gum/patches. It isn't used as maintenance but can reduce a flare. Might be worth looking into!

http://ibdcrohns.about.com/cs/ibdfaqs/a/smokingguts.htm