Hi Robyn, Welcome to the forum. Sorry to hear about your husbands health issues... But, on the positive side of things, a 'definite' diagnosis of Ulcerative Colitis CAN be considered a blessing. There are many other diagnosis given that carry a much heavier sentence.. I'm glad you found the forum, and hope that you and he find it beneficial. Just want to be clear that we are just fellow sufferers, it is just our personal stories and opinions we share here, plus some comfort for each other. You won't find professional medical opinions on here, unless we are linking to sites like the CCFA, or the latest news from JAMA, etc..
So, if any of the advice offered freely on here appeals to you, just remember it isn't based on our medical training (we have none) nor is it credentialed in any way. Just our good, old fashioned common sense, some personal trial N error, our own research per se, and in some cases, even our own experimentation.
OK, that's the preamble. sorry for the length. and keep in mind I'm just one of the members here. Not like a greeter at Wal-Mart (God, they'll sue me next!).
Couple of things... Asacol (one of the 5ASA family) is just an anti-inflamatory. I take 4 gr per day of a similar med, have been for years, and it really won't cure your hubby's symptoms. Wish it were that simple. Sort of like taking an aspirin for a migraine. It does help, but in the overall scheme of things, the benefit is pretty easy to overlook. Best part is that it's standard treatment, and of the drugs used to combat UC, pretty tame as far as side effects or adverse issues.
The pred will probably have the most immediately beneficial effect, if they get the dosage right. Problem is, one can't stay on it. Think the minute hubby's symptoms start to moderate, they'll commence the tricky process of tapering. I have done that a couple of times... it's the hardest part of the whole process. I hope that your husband has good results with the imuran (aka azathioprine). I didn't. I did a diary on it (on the pred too for that matter). Went toxic on it in my 3rd week. But that was just my experience. Darnedest part of this disease is that it treats us all a little differently. Your hubby may shine on it, and I know the possible side effects are troubling.. which is why you want to explore other options. there are plenty. And I'm sure you'll be freely offered advice on any number of them by members here. For example, we've a fellow who appears
to have been able to minimize/control his disease with his home grown 'tool' box of tricks. Been trying to convince him to post it step by step online here. We have others who have managed to controll their disease thru diets, even one that comprised mainly of a certain type of juice. There are specific diets one can try (if your doctors don't hold with the idea of diet being important, at the very least consult a good, experienced nutritionist who specializes in IBD).
The gluten free diet that works for Celiacs seems to help many with IBD, there is also the Specific Carbohydrate Diet (SCD for short). It's pretty strict diet, OK
There are also fast breaking, bleeding edge treatments you can learn of here. I currently am trying (only been 3 weeks) the Low Dose Natrexone treatment. I learned about it on here, and my list of options otherwise was running low. So I don't mind taking a risk. Theres a post on the forum describing my ups AND downs with this... And sort of a risk analysis synopsis by another member. Its not a decision to be taken lightly, BUT I would recommend you both look into it.
OK, that's the end of my long winded harrangue. Hope I didn't talk your ear off
(wouldn't be the first). I hope things turn around for your hubby, hope he pops in at some point... I didn't cover a lot of things... like food diarys, supplements, vitamins, enzymes, that sort. Sure someone will fill in the gaps, give you a rest from me. Think you'll find this site truly has a feeling of community. Take care.
