Concerned by AZA trial and surgery

[HendershotDavid]

I was diagnosed with bowel inflammation on 10/31/14.
After several tests I was identified with Crohns Illeitis and Celiac Disease on Jan. 1.

I have managed my diet for both and dropped 52 pounds. i am currently below my high school weight. I am currently taking Pentasa after weaning off Entocort.

My GI is recommending I switch to Imuran (aza) this month. How many people have endured the flu like symptoms? What's the length?

She is recommending I consult with a surgeon for removal of strictures. What's the down time for this? I want to forewarn my employer but I just can't plan well with this disease!

Thanks,
David Fh

 

[gemling]

I recently started Azathioprine. I had a mild headache for two mornings in a row and that was it for me. I think that was about 3 days in.

 

[Daisy123]

Hi David

I haven't noticed many side effects from AZA, I have been on it four years. I really hope it helps. Surgery sounds much more scary than it is. Strictures can be dangerous if left too long so surgery is really your only option. These days it is minimally invasive. Most of the time it is done laparoscopically and the stay in hospital can be as little as four days. My advice is to have surgery when you are feeling good and not leave it to long. The better you are going into surgery, the shorter time it takes to recover. My last resection, which was open, took me about six months to fully recover but I was back to work in six weeks. :ghug:

 

[HendershotDavid]

We don't know how long I have been dealing with Crohns but it was a severe narrowing on my scope. Enough that my GI thinks treament can't heal it. Outside of a few symptoms being medicated free I have been feeling pretty good. I meet with the Surgeon on Tuesday and then folllow that up with my GI on Thursday to determine best course for recovery.

 

[Daisy123]

I would always recommend maintenance meds as without treatment crohns has a very high incidence of recurrence. Generally is recurs around the site where the bowel is joined together. It is not worth the risk.

 

[HendershotDavid]

Sounds like AZA is the next step.
I am at a moderate amount of blockage with stricture nears the ileum. Not enough to operate on. Today is the first day of the new medicine but I have been told expect 2-3 months before it kicks in.

 

[HendershotDavid]

So far week 2 on AZA and somethings have improved. BMs are much easier already. Biggest downside is I am occasionally light headed and can get very sleepy. I need 10 hours when I normally run on 7-8.