Hiya!

[2thFairy]

I've had all sorts of bowel problems (and horrible HORRIBLE pain) since my early 20s, but am just now, 20 years later, being treated for ulcerative colitis. I have been taking meds for a year now and have had three flares in that time, each time with a new adjustment in meds. I am about to start azathioprine. Trying to find out more about REAL experience with aza, not just the statistics, lead me to this forum.... and what a nice forum!!

I generally avoid support message boards. People can get really defensive and nasty, or just whiny and annoying. This board seems to be the exception.

I look forward to learning as much as I can from all of you here. In my three weeks of lurking, I have already learned a lot about my most immediate questions and also have been reassured about things I have experienced for years. Thanks for that!

 

[Crohn's 35]

:welcome: 2thfairy, so glad you decided to come on board! Yes, this is a great forum, and not going to lie and say we haven't had bumps in the road along the way but we are remaining strong with background help and the moderators are always on the ball! We also have a wonderful admin she is great.

Most forums dont post charities , fundraisers or orgs. Which to me fails to try and find a cure. Helping one another is what we strive for and any new information is helpful to us all.

My sister has UC and has had rough times with bleeding..but no pain , I have pain with my Crohns but I dont bleed, my brother has UC and my sister has IBS and my younger brother has something but wont get tested because of embarrassment I guess. Which is not a good thing to ignore.

Sorry I cant comment on the AZA, because I have tried Imuran a few times and 6mp and within a week my liver gets affected. Many people are on it and doing amazing for years, I am sure others will come on here and tell their experiences on it.

So glad you are here, hope you join in.

 

[georgiegirl]

Hi 2th fairy and welcome! I am pretty new here too, just diagnosed with Crohn's last month. I'm on aza, and no side effects so far (apart from a numb tongue this morning, but ppl on here have assured me that's the prednisone!).

I too am wary about forums, I used to thing ppl just talked about the bad stuff, but this one seems to be everyone from all walks talking about everything! It's all about the support on this forum, as well as sharing experiences. I've found it soooo helpful and reassuring - definitely not a scary place talking about ALL bad stuff.

As for the REAL experiences - maybe someone can help who has been on aza for more than a week (like me!), but I've noticed more of a sense of well-being which comes from an understanding of the disease, as well as a reduction in the side-effects of this yucky disease (muscle aches, joint stiffness etc), although not yet a reduction in the dreaded D!!!

Hope you are as lucky as me! and WELCOME!!! (not sure where the welcome smiley is yet!)

 

[Rebecca85]

Hi 2thfairy, I have been on aza about 5 weeks now. The first week I got nauseus most afternoons, but then I figured out on the days I had a bigger breakfast I felt fine. Now it doesn't matter too much, I feel fine whatever. It was amazing how quick I noticed a difference. Diarrhea has never really been a problem (my main symptom is pain), and within the first week I had gone from 4-5 BMs a day back to my pre-crohn's 1-2! I haven't particularly had any pain while on aza either (discomfort yes, but not actual pain). The only slight problem is I have had a cold for about 2 weeks now. But then I also suffered with them really badly before diagnosis, so I think overall I am miles better off on the aza! Hope that helps!

 

[DustyKat]

Hi 2thfairy and :welcome:

Good to see you here! Wow 20 years! did they treat for anything in that time?? Yep, this is a fab place to hang out for info, support, a vent or a laugh so stick around and join the club 'cause we would love to have you!

My daughter has been a low maintenance dose of Aza (Imuran) for 4 years now and it has helped her maintain remission since her surgery. She has not experienced side effects and has her blood monitored regularly. Initially it was weekly, then fortnigtly, monthly, two monthly and finally 3 monthly. She has recently moved and has a new GI and he has her back on monthly again. I hope it works well for you and brings your symptoms under control. Good luck and welcome aboard!

Take care,
Dusty

 

[Shannon]

Yes I was skeptical about support forums as well but it would seem this one takes every sufferer seriously and is genuinely a place of retreat!

 

[2thFairy]

Thanks for all the welcome messages! It's nice to just check in throughout the day and see what's going on.. and for the quick fix when I start to panic about "things" and "stuff" and ohmygawd what is THIS pain now??

 

[2thFairy]

And really really thanks for the info on azathioprine. I feel a bit more encouraged about it.

 

[Lucy]

Welcome 2thFairy to the forum. I think you will like it here. So many wonderful people. I've never been on aza, but wanted to welcome you. I hope you stick around and enjoy all the different threads. Good luck with your meds.

 

[Dexky]

Hi 2thFairy, welcome!! I hope you get what you're looking for both from this forum and the aza!! Good luck!!

 

[Dallies]

Hiya toothfairy great name!!!! My daughter takes aza - she's in remission now. She always takes it in the evening with her dinner as it made her nauseous taking it in the morning. She is having monthly blood tests and seems to have no probs with it. There isn't a problem with people getting really defensive and nasty, or just whiny and annoying
here, thank goodness!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Welcome xxxxxxxxxxxxx

 

[Astra]

Hi 2th Fairy
and welcome

I was allergic to Aza and 6MP, so can't help with this, was only on it 6 weeks and broke out with urticaria (hives)
We are a great bunch here! You're gonna enjoy it, lots of friends here for you
lotsa luv
Joan xxx

 

[Nancy Lee]

Welcome to the Crohn's Forum! :thumleft:

I know you will enjoy it here and get lots of answers
to the questions you may have.

Welcoming hugs~Nancy

 

[rottengut91]

Welcome to the forum. I'm also new to forums, but have found this one to be wonderful. Everyone here is very supportive. I have gained a wealth of knowledge in a very short time. Hope you stick around.