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Ulcerative Colitis
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Posted 8/15/2012 4:37 AM (GMT 0)
Just got back from my colonoscopy. Procedure was very easy, only 20 minutes the Specialist has done 30k+ before so is very good. by far the most pain free and comfortable of the 4 I have had. Biopsies taken and 1 polyp removed. Cost $2,400 NZ privately (no insurance yet as only recently back in NZ and it's not covered as a pre-existing condition)

Prognosis was not so great however. What was previously left sided is now moderately severe pan colitis. With some fairly visible inflammation throughout and ulceration mainly in the descending despite having been on pred for the last 4 weeks.

He's upping my pred back to 40mg from 30, wants me back on 5ASAs... and the big one he wants me on Azathioprine (imuran equivalent) or 6mp. He's prescribed 6mp. I've never been on immunosuppressive like imuran or 6mp so am bit apprehensive/scared due to potential side effects. He assures me they have a good success rate and with regular bloodwork I'll be able to keep on top of any changes.

What experiences has anyone had on imuran/6mp/Azathioprine?
Posted 8/15/2012 7:51 PM (GMT 0)
Hi Jimbo, your dx sounds like mine and I was prescribe imuran. I didn't take it though, so I can't comment, but I just wanted to wish you much success and let us know how you do!
Posted 8/15/2012 10:01 PM (GMT 0)
Thanks, yes my apprehension levels are fairly high.
Posted 8/15/2012 10:06 PM (GMT 0)
yo, jimbo...you're still doing LDN?
Posted 8/16/2012 12:16 AM (GMT 0)
Hy mate, No not been LDN for last 4 weeks while on pred, and I don't think it is supposed to be used with imuran/6mp - is it?
Posted 8/16/2012 12:58 AM (GMT 0)
Jim,

I'm sorry about your results.

As far as 6mp while on LDN, there have been some who have done it, and while it isn't adviced generally, it's been done successfully so that they were able to WEAN off it, and just stay on the 6mp.

I hope you feel better soon, and find a workable solution.

A big HUG to you!

Posted 8/16/2012 7:04 AM (GMT 0)
Thanks InSoFla, I haven't given up on LDN but I will shelve it for a few months and maybe reintroduce it down the track to wean off 6mp if and when... But for now I've decided to try 6mp.
Posted 8/16/2012 6:52 PM (GMT 0)
Your doc likely wants you to try 6-MP or Imuran so that you can stay off Prednisone. The current gastro-think is that prolonged steroid use is more dangerous to the body than immunosuppressant meds. Good luck with the new regimen; it does work for a lot of members here. / Old Hat (31 yrs with left-sided UC; presently in remission taking brandname Colazal)
Posted 8/16/2012 10:44 PM (GMT 0)
I'd much rather be on 6mp than prednisone! 6mp usually isn't that bad. It can take months before any results come of it though.
Posted 8/19/2012 8:17 AM (GMT 0)
Old hat, yes that's pretty much exactly what my Gastro specialist said. Thanks :)

Xeekk, yes have heard that also about the wait for drug to take effect, I'll keep you all posted on progress.
Posted 8/19/2012 9:58 AM (GMT 0)
Hey Jimbo, where abouts in NZ are you?
Posted 8/19/2012 8:56 PM (GMT 0)
Hi Labrynth,


I'm in Auckland in Greenlane/One Tree Hill.  How about you?

Posted 8/19/2012 9:10 PM (GMT 0)
Jimbo - The real question is whether your body can tolerate the drug. Some of us are intolerant to some of the immunosuppressants (which I eventually found was the case for me with both Imuran and Remicade). However, that having been said, if you don't find any bad reactions to the drug then I don't think you have much to worry about. Between trying Imuran and Remicade, I have been "immunosuppressed" since around February, I believe, so about six months? I am a teacher, so I see 100 teenagers every day, and even though I usually catch a cold or flu a couple times a year, I haven't gotten sick once since I started immunosuppresants. You will know within the first few weeks how you tolerate the drug. Beyond that, you'll be fine.
Posted 8/20/2012 9:15 AM (GMT 0)
Im in Greymouth - Only been here about a year after moving from Christchurch.

Pretty scary when they start talking about immunosuppressants i hope its not the path you end up having to take. Its good to have a kiwi around. there was another but i cant recall who it was.

Ill keep a look out for you.

All the best.
Posted 8/20/2012 12:30 PM (GMT 0)

ive been on imuran since june, i feel like its put me in remission.  My blood is gone, urgency gone.  *crosses fingers*

i think notsosicklygirl is on 6mp

Posted 8/20/2012 8:51 PM (GMT 0)
I Love coffe - now that's teh sort of story i want to hear thanks :) i hope it does the same with me. Have you had any side effects? Nausea? Fatigue ( and i mean worse than prior)? anything else?

Thanks Labyrinth, yes it is scary. I did not want to take this path (immuno suppressors) but I have tried everything but FT, LDN and Remicade. I'm at a place where I can't afford to get any worse health-wise so i'm going to try it.
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