I am a 41 yr old female. Diagnosed with Crohn's disease back in 1987. I have had two ressections. I have tried many medications that work for a time but end up not working or side effects are too bad I must stop. This past year I have new challenges....my iron, ferritin and hemoglobin were so low I need a blood transfusion. Now I am taking Venofer infusions every three months to stabilize my blood. I also need to make a decision of starting Imuran or Methotrexate. Any feedback on these drugs would be much appreciated. So my question is two fold....anyone else suffer with severe anemia and what drug should I choose to try first?
New to forum-not new to Crohn's disease
- Thread starter Peg
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mikeyarmo
Co-Founder
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- Feb 13, 2006
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Welcome to the forum Peg!
I am sorry to hear about the recent challenges you are facing.
We have designated forums for Imuran discussion and for Methotrexate discussion that you might want to check out to learn more about our member's experience with both medications.
I have only been on Imuran personally, and what I found was that it takes quite a while to start helping with any symptoms. I was told by my doctor that this is fairly normal with Imuran and that it does not start working as quickly as some other medications (like steroids).
As is documented in the Vitamin and Mineral Deficiencies for IBD thread, anemia can be improved through absorbing more iron, Vitamin A, Vitamin B2, Vitamin B9 and Vitamin B12. The linked thread above also provides natural sources for each of those vitamins. Eating some of those foods might improve your anemia.
Let us know if you have any more questions and good luck with your decision.
Welcome to the forum Peg!
I am sorry to hear about the recent challenges you are facing.
We have designated forums for Imuran discussion and for Methotrexate discussion that you might want to check out to learn more about our member's experience with both medications.
I have only been on Imuran personally, and what I found was that it takes quite a while to start helping with any symptoms. I was told by my doctor that this is fairly normal with Imuran and that it does not start working as quickly as some other medications (like steroids).
As is documented in the Vitamin and Mineral Deficiencies for IBD thread, anemia can be improved through absorbing more iron, Vitamin A, Vitamin B2, Vitamin B9 and Vitamin B12. The linked thread above also provides natural sources for each of those vitamins. Eating some of those foods might improve your anemia.
Let us know if you have any more questions and good luck with your decision.
Angrybird
Moderator
Hi Peg and welcome :bigwave: really pleased you have joined us. I am back on imuran (azathioprine) and so far I do not feel unwell on it so really hope it's going to sort me out, it can take up to 3 months to kick in. Personally I would take this over the Methotrexate. I cannot help with the aneamia I am afraid as this is not something I have experienced. I hope things improve for you soon however, let us know how you get on.
Angrybird
Moderator
Fyi - for me and Methotrexate and I was always feeling like I had a cold with a constant blocked nose, I also got shingles whilst on this and an infected cyst on my back. My general health in that sense has improved since being off it.
