Entchen
Chief Dandelion Picker
Hi, all
Jessica's post and Nica's reply in another thread brought to mind a question that I have been working through recently. I welcome your info and advice.
I understand that some forms of inflammation are quite serious and dangerous. However, when thinking about moderate level inflammation in 15 cm or so of terminal ileum: if it is treated with mild meds (Pentasa), and the inflammation continues although most pain episodes and the worst of the other symptoms are kept in check, is there still a danger or a reasonable level of potential for long term problems?
My GI strongly suspects that I will be on Imuran by January because of continued inflammation, even though we are, at present, both pleased overall with how my quality of life has improved thanks to Prednisone (and maybe the vitamin supplements, too). Imuran carries more potential for side effects relative to Pentasa. But, could Imuran potentially prevent future problems that Pentasa could not prevent? Or should I consider leaving well enough alone and not moving to stronger meds as long as my symptoms stay improved compared to the past year?
My frequency of bathroom trips hasn't changed at all since last spring (5-8+/day), but I haven't had much D since a round of Cipro and Flagyl last spring, the pain finally decreased at the end of my 3 months on Pred (after some 55 weeks straight), and my other symptoms seem to be holding their own since starting Pentasa in October.
Thank You!
Jessica's post and Nica's reply in another thread brought to mind a question that I have been working through recently. I welcome your info and advice.
I understand that some forms of inflammation are quite serious and dangerous. However, when thinking about moderate level inflammation in 15 cm or so of terminal ileum: if it is treated with mild meds (Pentasa), and the inflammation continues although most pain episodes and the worst of the other symptoms are kept in check, is there still a danger or a reasonable level of potential for long term problems?
My GI strongly suspects that I will be on Imuran by January because of continued inflammation, even though we are, at present, both pleased overall with how my quality of life has improved thanks to Prednisone (and maybe the vitamin supplements, too). Imuran carries more potential for side effects relative to Pentasa. But, could Imuran potentially prevent future problems that Pentasa could not prevent? Or should I consider leaving well enough alone and not moving to stronger meds as long as my symptoms stay improved compared to the past year?
My frequency of bathroom trips hasn't changed at all since last spring (5-8+/day), but I haven't had much D since a round of Cipro and Flagyl last spring, the pain finally decreased at the end of my 3 months on Pred (after some 55 weeks straight), and my other symptoms seem to be holding their own since starting Pentasa in October.
Thank You!