What’s next

[Maceyy]

Hi again!

I got a call today from my consultant a good 2 weeks after my flare up started to confirm that I was indeed in a flare and have found high inflammation in my blood test and stool test.

He has confirmed that I will have another course of steroids(2nd lot since mid July) and that if I continue to have flare ups after the steroids we would need to think about another medication method on top of azathioprine.

Does anyone know what kind of medication this would be?! I’m terrified he may suggest some form of injection that I’ll have to do by myself. I was only diagnosed with Crohn’s in July so this has scared me now.

I appreciate there are numerous medications to treat Crohn’s but just thought I’d ask thank you

[FRreedman]

The further medication depends on whether you, and your doctor, decide to treat the symptoms of the cause. I have been on Pentasa, in addition to Azathioprine, for about 15 years, and it seems, for the most part, to work. You could go for something to slow down the visits to the loo, or increase them, if required. You could go for something to stop or reduce the tiredness, or some form of pain relief which will also have the effect of reducing toilet visits. You could go for biologics, it really depends on your preference as well as that of your GI consultant or team. Don't accept anything you are not comfortable with, whether it is needles or any particular drug. The final decision is always your decision.

[lyndylou1]

It is usually used to help reduce amount of steroid used.

Its an drug used for transplant patients also. I was on it on/off for over 20 years. Until last year when i became allergic to it.

You do have to be careful if in the sun so if sunbathing etc.