Help ... 5 months diagnosed still trying to get meds sorted

[fi-ecosse]

Hi

Looking for some advice? I was diagnosed Jan 2014, luckily had private health care so managed to get a quick diagnosis.

Initially I was prescribed Pentasa however this wasn't helping so I was put onto 3 month course of Budesonide and Azathriopine.

At my last check and also with seeing my GP I advised that I was still feeling lethargic and having days where I was at toilet 3-4 times a time and other days I felt my usual self . But being a very active person prior to falling ill last November I was struggling with how I wasn't getting a feeling of control over the crohns. GP spoke to my Specialist who request CalP test which confirmed I was still having inflammation as it came back at 395. He was surprised as my Azathioprine was increased to 150mg and he would have though this should have helped.

So ... I have to get another Colonoscopy as he wants to know what is going on where my MRI in Jan showed inflammation of about 10cm at the Ileum.

Apparently this is because he is considering the next level of treatment? Any ideas what this could be? Should I be concerned that the Azathioprine isn't helping?

Didnt think I would be needing another colonoscopy within 6 months just want to get a feeling of energy and normality back in my life...

Any ideas from your experience is really appreciated

 

[Clash]

Using the step up approach to Crohn's meds you would have 5ASAs like pentasa, asacol HD, these mostly work for cases of mild disease. Then you have the immunosuppressants like azathioprine/Imuran, 6MP and methotrexate. At the top of this approach you have the biologics such as remicade, humira and Cimzia.

Steroids such as pred and entocort can be used to dampen the inflammation while given the maintenance meds listed above time to reach therapeutic levels.

Depending on how your healthcare system works you may be transitioned onto another immunosuppressants or moved up to a biologic or have a biologic added to the immunosuppressant you are already on.

The upcoming tests will play a role in determing all of this as well since the results will give the GI a better idea of where your disease stands.

 

[Grumbletum]

Hello there and welcome to the forum. I'm with Clash. When first diagnosed, I was put on Prednisolone and then Azathioprine. I had been on it for about three months and starting to feel a good bit better, but was admitted to hospital for tests for persistent issues with a fistula and abscess. The tests showed that I still had severe inflammation and they started me on Infliximab ( Remicade ).

 

[fi-ecosse]

Thanks guys

I have a great GI who has actually been emailing me over the weekend. He has confirmed that blood tests show I should be ok to tolerate the azathioprine but he isnt keen to increase dosage above the 150mg.

he is hoping that another look inside will show what going on and hopefully he can find an option treat microscopically.

So just need to accept its another 3 litres of moviprep to drink in a fortnight .

just wanting to gey back to normality, the gym training with a bit of energy.