UC flare, GAPS diet, VSL, prescrip for Azathioprine

My brain is fuzzy, I'll try to be succinct.

Previously did GAPS diet for 2-3 years...afterwards went loose paleo, then went off. Longest time with no UC flare ever (about 3 years). Took delzicol. Started eating some junk food - wheat, whatever.

January started GAPS diet again after a Hashimotos diagnosis, told to go on anti-inflammatory diet. Went into a flare (go figure but def. in fledgling stages of GAPS intro). Flare got bad - round of prednazone.

Still taking delzicol. One month ago off prednazone...in 5th month of GAPS. Still in intro phase as don't know what status my colon in when prednazone leaves my body. Was looking good up till 1 week ago, now in flare again. I'm desperate. Bought VSL #3 DS packets (prescription)...doubt I'm taking enough. Saw on another thread advice to use the VSL in enema form but unsure if will adhere in gut as I have diahhrea. I did start taking Synthroid one and half week ago. Wondered if fillers could cause flare-up. Also maybe just the prednazone leaving my body causing flare-up.

So today I see my gastroenterologist - he says no way can Synthroid cause a flare. Was willing to entertain idea MAYBE am taking too much Vit C and back off over weekend, see if that helps. Meantime, if it doesn't, start another round of prednazone, and also start Azathioprine which I am nervous about - hard on the liver and I'm just scared of more immune suppressant stuff esp. as the Hashimotos is really affecting me and my primary doctor not skilled with treating it: fuzzy brain, forgetfulness, fatigue, weight gain, hair loss, list is long.

Anyone with experience with Azathioprine? Anyone with experience using GAPS diet and working through a flare at the same time? Supplements that don't work? (Magnesium, Vit C)?

A down side of Azathioprine is it only helps 2/3's of people...and takes 3 months to see if it works. I'm getting kind of worried here. Last time GAPS diet got me out of this mess. I guess I need to have some faith that it can this time too, even if need another round of prednazone. I know one thing...once I can get my gut healthier and GAPS diet is flowing, I'm never going off of it.

I am super open to any input and advice. Thanks for your patience reading my long post!

I was on 6mp (azathioprine is metabolized into 6mp in your body) for several years and I didn't experience side effects.

Azathioprine has a low incidence of serious side effects. The ones that do occur usually develop slowly and resolve with discontinuation of the medication. Do avoid sun exposure to prevent the development of skin cancers.

Prednisone, on the other hand, has an approximately 100% chance of serious side effects if taken long term. These can include osteoporosis, osteonecrosis, cataracts and many others. My experience says take whatever you have to, to get off Pred.

Dealing with 2 diseases is tough. Yes too much Vit C could cause loose stools so if you don't rally need to to take it then drop it and get your C from dietary sources. Vitamin D is something to be tested for since many UC people are deficient, don't just take it without testing first.

It took me a long time to figure out the right diet my gut could tolerate. Wheat is a big "no" for me and other grains are not good,just not as deadly. Low fiber really works for my gut but some people take a fiber pill (I quit that).

Diet is not an overnight fix it. The way I figure is my gut was inflamed for a long time so it took a long time to get it fixed. 95% curcumin capsules helped me a lot, it's anti-inflammatory. But I don't know what meds you take for Hashimoto's so check with that doctor before taking more supplements. Most supplements made me worse and I take very few. Probiotics helped (VSL#3, Lactobacillus and Cardioviva which has reuterii probiotics). Give them a try one at a time and see if there is any improvement. Again, not a quick fix but studies back up that they help UC.

Good luck.

I don't quite understand what 6 mp means.

Azathioprine is the generic of Imuran. Azathioprine/imuran metabolizes into 6mp (mercaptopurine) within your body. Some take 6mp and save a step.

No advantage one way or another, really. I guess slightly smaller dose for 6mp