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Probably increasing azathioprine dose

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Ulcerative Colitis
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Posted 8/4/2014 1:01 PM (GMT 0)
The steroid enemas helped while I was on them, but now flaring again. Going eight times a day with blood, mucus, exhaustion and pain. Seems like nothing's working :(

I'm seeing my GI tomorrow, and I'm guessing she'll probably suggest increasing my azathioprine dosage. (I plan to refuse all steroids if she offers). I am currently on 100mg of Imuran and weigh around 100lbs. I don't want to agree to anything too high - if she suggests going up to 150mg will that be okay?

I know when initially starting on azathioprine, it takes about 3 months to kick in - is this the same with every subsequent increase? Like will it take me another three months to feel the benefit if my dose is increased, or will it work more quickly, seeing as 100mg has already been building up in my body for months?

I was really upset when I realised the aza was no longer working for me :( really hope increasing will do the trick.

Also, I've started taking hemp oil today, which I'm optimistic about. Hoping it will help with the depression as well as UC.
Posted 8/4/2014 1:29 PM (GMT 0)
Its really up to you, you have to be comfortable with your treatment plan.

I took aza for a year, 125mg but I found that I could not sleep while on it, very very very vivid dreams. Then I got a flair up so I have decided to give it up. If you can't sleep properly then you can't be well.

Obviously you want to get things under control asap. I hate steroids as much as anyone but one thing I would say from my experience is if you decide to take them then do it sooner rather than later. I've had a few occasions when I have let things go too far before agreeing to pred and it just makes everything worse. The more ill I have been when starting pred, the worse the side effects have been. The last time I took pred I caught it early and hit it hard - its was not that bad being on steriods on that occasion,
Posted 8/4/2014 1:59 PM (GMT 0)
I'd listen to the doctors suggestions.
Routine blood tests whilst on the med, nothing to fear.
Good luck.
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