Imuran

[squeaky]

I am 55, have had Crohn's since I was 25/26. Had 2 resections, one in 1989 other in 1998. I have had it pretty good, not on drugs/diet. If something bothers me I don't eat it again etc. My specialist want me to go on Imuran.
I have had some bumps but nothing bad enough to go on med. I had a weekend where my stomach hurt really bad (think it was other than Crohn's) went to dr and said that I would go on imuran, got meds, read reviews and up on drug and decided not to take it. With my history and having it better than some other people who have Crohn's why take a drug that could make you feel worse. I haven't had a long bad spell for years, 10+.
What do you think.

 

[sfmreb2]

What ever works for you. Sounds like the Dr was in a hurry to start you on Imuran. One weekend of pain and going to Imuran seems like overkill. Maybe a short dose of pred. Did they do any tests? Maybe there is more to it than the Dr told you. Sometimes you have to drag info out of Drs.:yrolleyes:

 

[Angrybird]

Hello and welcome to the forum

I was also wondering if you have had any recent tests done that would indicate the need for the Imuran? Also what symptoms did you get on the 'bumps' that you have had previously?

AB
xx

 

[squeaky]

My bumps are cramps I have off and on. Something I can deal with. I can go months without cramps and then maybe couple days. I take it easy, relax, watch what I eat.
Just had a blood test taken and dr didn't say anything about it. heard him recording on his tape for secretary to type up regarding the fact that I might be needing to take iron by mouth or intravenoulsy (?) (down the road)Why didn't he tell me about that.
Take b12 shots monthly. thats it for meds. pain killers for pain. I did have a colonoscopy in late sept. He said Crohn's was active.
His only offer is imuran.
When I first went to him 12 yrs ago he mentioned imuran as a possible preventative. Was having no issues and I declined. He told me that I would possible feel nauseous and stomach discomfort if on it. i see him once a year and he always brings it up.
When I used to have flareups I would go on a run of prednazone and that would take care of it. I don't mind taking it.
I decided not to take imuran for now. I will go out and buy some iron. I have already bought some vit d.

 

[Angrybird]

If a scope from a couple of months ago is showing active diease then I would recommend that you go on treatment of some kind. The problem with this disease is that you can be feeling fine whilst things inside are bubbling away ready to cause to big trouble. If you are not happy to go on the Imuran then check out our treatment section for potential alternatives or perhaps even investigate something like enteral nutrition which has been shown to induce remission without the side effects that the meds can have.

 

[squeaky]

thank you for your thoughts. will look into.

 

[Ombres]

As I feel Imuran is a good med for Crohn's and have taken it myself, I would talk to the doctor more and make a list of questions to ask him before going. There might be other meds with less side effects or other treatments. There are always options and I think it is best to know them all.