Starting Imuran

[Lucem_fero]

Hello Everyone.

I introduced myself briefly and I have gotten many replies to my first post, as I've noted in my hotmail inbox, but sadly have not been able to reply to any of them, as the site will not allow me to view my thread. It says I do not have access. If anyone has any insight as to why this is happening, please let me know!

I have had Crohn's Disease for the past 6 years, but for the past two I have been having massive flares that have landed me in the hospital numerous times. I am 22 years old, college age, and have only managed to get myself through a grueling four semesters at two colleges, because I have been struggling so much with the disease.

I have been resisting treatment with Imuran for about a year, mostly out of fear of the drug, but things have been getting worse, and my doctor wants me to start immediately. I am nervous to start it, but I think it might be the right- and only choice for me.

Mainly, I think it scares me to think my body won't be able to do one of its most important jobs to its full potential- protect me from infections.

I hope someone out there who's been helped by Imuran can give me some words of encouragement, or possibly tell me what to expect.


Thanks all.

 

[Crohn's 35]

:welcome: to the forum! I am sorry you have having problems with the hotmail. Someone should be on to help with that.

I know of a couple of young college students on Imuran and they have been doing awesome but do have the odd flare when they eat the wrong thing as it is hard when you are young not to eat risky foods. Being on a good Vitamin and lots of Vitamin D3 and calcium should help. I also use a Magnesium Citrate to help absorb everything.

If you start to feel nauseated or pain then I would suggest seeing your doctor to tweak your meds. Blood Liver test are a must on this drug. Eat healthy low residue diets and if you are not able to get some Ensure or Boost to feed your body and brain. Most peole are not water drinkers and being on Imuran is a good idea to drink water. Keep hydrated.

Good luck with your studies!

 

[Rebecca85]

Hi, I started azathioprine (generic version of Imuran) about a month ago. When I first started taking it I was feeling queasy most afternoons, but within a couple of days, I was back down to one or two toilet trips a day! And I have no pain at all if I stick to a low residue diet (I do cheat sometimes and eat junk but even then I only get a few symptoms).

I am concerned about picking up infections, especially as I work in a primary school, but my doctor said there's no special precautions needed, just plenty of handwashing!

 

[gringo43]

Welcome Lucem

I too am starting azathiprine today and have similar concerns...I hope you've been set up for regular monitoring/labs...good luck with the meds and school.

Jerry

 

[seaofdreams]

Hey Lucem
I'm 21 myself and was dx'd at 20 so I know how hard it can be to be diagnosed and live with this disease at our age.
I was put on Imuran this time last year and up until very recently, it was great. I was almost symptom-free (unless I did something stupid like eat pizza or a spicy curry haha)

I was initially scared of having a suppressed immune system at first but in the year I was on it, I found almost no increase in infections or illness. I even went to the Royal Brisbane Show, a well known cesspool of flus and colds and didn't catch a thing haha. You just need to use basic common sense like washing your hands and avoiding people who are sick

The positives of the drug far outweighed any increased risks for me and I would recommend giving it a go

 

[lobby]

lucem.. you got to stop the flares or the gut starts getting fiberous like wood. every time we flare more fiberous till it is not doing you any good and causes continuos pain and blockages. then its off to surgery. every time a section is removed it effects your quality of life. and absorption of nutrition good luck. lobby ps. dont try to tough your way thru flares

 

[DustyKat]

Hi Lucem and :welcome:

My daughter is 18 and started university this year. She had a resection 4 years ago and has been in remission since that time. Roo's Imuran is a maintenance dose and she has not suffered side effects or picked up infections any more than the norm. Good luck with your decision!

All the best,
Dusty