At A Cross Road

[SapphireEyes]

I am 48 and was diagnosed with IBD when I was 16. Long history with the disease. I was initially misdiagnosed with UC but finally found the right doctor who correctly diagnosed me with Crohn's disease in my colon. I am fortunate to have one of the top doctors in the Chicago area.

I was finally brought into remission about 14 years ago with Imuran after many years of suffering including rectal fistulas, a very difficult pregnancy, etc. Honestly feels odd to me to be on a Crohn's forum because I've been in remission so long. It's like I never had the disease after years of being miserable. (Side note: So, for those suffering right now, keep the hope. It can get better.)

However, now I'm concerned that my remission may come to an end. Just had my usual every 2 to 3 year colonoscopy done yesterday and all looked fine. I've developed some diverticula but they are not inflamed and, of course, it showed the scarring from my Crohn's sights.

So what's the problem? I've had squamous cell skin cancer and my GI doc is concerned that the Imuran may be contributing to it so we are stopping it. It's a double edged sword. I've always been worried about cancers due to the Imuran but also it's been seemingly keeping my Crohn's in complete check.

Now the unknown faces me. Of course, the Imuran could have stopped working anytime it wanted.

I just wonder if anyone has stayed in remission especially after the amount of time I've been on Imuran.

Thanks for listening.

 

[Angrybird]

Hello and :welcome: to the forum. It is such a shame that the Imuran has done such a good job for your crohns for so long but has now potentially added to another serious health condition. You have said 'had' cancer, does this mean your are on the waiting game of having remission eventually confirmed or is more treatment required for this? The reason I ask is that I can completely see where you are worried about what this all means for your crohns, there are potentially other drugs that could be used IF it flares up but some of them may not be allowed if they interferred with any other treatments you are potentially on. I would not rule out the remission continuing though, by now you most probably know what foods to avoid so you don't aggrivate things and I like to think that being fairly fit cannot hurt things either. This disease can be a fickle thing and you can try all things under the sun but if it wants to flare it will, I will keep my fingers crossed that it will decide to be kind to you.

I am glad you have decided to join us hun, keep us updated on how you are gettng on (also hope to see you around forum, I am sure there is support and advice that you will be ale to give to others ).

 

[David]

Hi there and welcome! 14+ years on Imuran, wow! I'm so glad it's done so well for you. I can't answer your specific question but am curious what he is planning to switch you to?

I wish you nothing but the best!

 

[NikiB]

Im always concerned about skin cancer and being on Imuran. I had a melanoma removed 4 years ago and I go for UV light therapy for Psoriasis. It all really is a catch 22:duh: