Has the doctor tried him on AZATHIOPRINE???

I was on this for ym flare of crohn's and it is also used to treat bad flare ups in UC.

It is a powerful immunosuppressant and can work very well.

You really should rethink this.Steriods, prendisone have terrible side effects. And long term use you almost always will have problems from taking it. AZATHIOPRINE is much better then having to take prendisone. Also by not getting this under control NOW your BF runs the risk of damage to the large bowel and ending up with a colostomy.Aggresive treatemnt is the best bet. I really feel he should start the AZATHIOPRINE. I have been on it for years and not any problems. But the steriod use has left me with bone loss. Adrenal gland function problems.Down the road the bone loss wil probably mean hip knee replacement. Bone fractures ,arthritus.

Hi garden and cats

thanks for your reply. As I said to Sharon we were to trying to avoid going onto the Azathioprine, because of the horrid side effects that were listed.

We knew that if nothing else put him into remission then that would be our last resort.

He has now been taking Azathioprine for three days now, but still has to carry on with his steroids and Asacol.

When we researched about diet and natural things to help with pushing him back into remission, Aloe vera juice was mentioned as being soothing for the bowel, and helpful for colitis. We have been willing to try absolutely anything, he has even started to smoke again.

He left hospital several weeks ago, and he is under close supervision with the hospital.

We have been told that Azathioprine can take anything upto 12 weeks to work, which is a bit worrying.

Thanks for your input.

Yes the Azathioprine does take up to 3months to really start working .Thats why he should start it while on the prendisone. The prendisone will help with the flair untill the Azathioprine kicks in

Hi,

I was diagnosed with UC back in November, I spent some time on Hospital where they started giving me prendisone, IV while I was in Hospital and then in pill form when I left, in addition I was put on a course of Azathioprine. I was also concerned of the potential side effects and the length of time it takes to make a difference. My steriod dose was decreased over 3 months and I had no ill effect from totally coming off the Prendisone. I am also pleased to say that the Azathioprine has done a good job at keeping the UC at bay. The trouble with this disease is that everyone seems to react differently, and there are risks associated with all of the medication that the the Doctors can offer you.. It can be a case of weighing up the pros and cons.

I wish you all the best.