Pain in side

Hi I've been diagnosed with UC. I'm on azathioprine and mesalazine. I still get a pain on my left side above my hip. Does this mean it's still inflamed? Should the tablets help to stop this? I'm still losing blood when going to the toilet as well. Thanks.

[willow24 Administrator]

hi, sorry to hear meds not working yet. Azathioprine takes about 3 months to get to its therapeutic level. how long have you been on this current medication?

[Hidden in reply to willow24]

Thank you. I was on 1x 50mg tablet a day but I've now been reduced to 1 x50mg every other day for about 2 months I think. My crp levels are coming down but I still don't feel 100% though.

[willow24 Administrator in reply to Hidden]

is there a reason you had dose decreased? you can ring your consultants secretary and leave a message for your consultant with them. mine always gets back to me in 24 hrs. Or give the IBD nurses a ring if you have them at your trust

[Hidden in reply to willow24]

I'm not sure why the consultant reduced my dose. Thinking about it now, it was probably too soon to reduce if it takes a few months to work properly. I've got an appointment in a couple of weeks so I'll speak to the consultant again. It's made harder as there's a pool of consultants at my hospital so you never know who's going to see you and how much they know about you.

Thanks for your help and advice.

[willow24 Administrator in reply to Hidden]

thats so frustrating. you should have a named consultant! Instead of relying on blood tests has your consultant recommended a faecal calprotectin test - this shows inflammation specific to the bowel.

hope appointment goes well x

[Hidden in reply to willow24]

I know it is frustrating! It's also frustrating knowing that a side effect of azathioprine is diarrhea, so it's hard to tell if it's still a flare up or not.

I've not heard of the faecal calprotectin test before, I will meant it at my appointment. Thanks!x

[Hidden in reply to willow24]

I know it is frustrating! It's also frustrating knowing that a side effect of azathioprine is diarrhea, so it's hard to tell if it's still a flare up or not.

I've not heard of the faecal calprotectin test before, I will meant it at my appointment. Thanks!x

[willow24 Administrator in reply to Hidden]

the faecal calprotectin will determine if its crohns or side effects x

[STC789]

Hey, I'm not much help I'm afraid but I'm in the same position as you. I'm on steroids at the moment and I started taking azathioprine last week too. I can feel things improving but the past couple of days I've had a horrible sharp pain in my left side above my hip. I thought it was just gas! If it continues the next couple of days I think I'll phone the gastro nurse just in case! x

[Hidden in reply to STC789]

Yes that's where my pain is as well. I'm not sure of the cause! Did you see the gastro nurse?