02-24-2013, 03:52 PM
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#1
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Super Moderator
Join Date: Aug 2012
Location: Chicago, Illinois
My Support Groups:
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Imuran/Azathioprine/6-MP Support Group
About this Support Group
A support group focused on treatment of IBD using Imuran, Azathioprine and 6-MP.
A place to gain some words of encouragement, share your tips, experiences/side effects on these meds and any information/research you may have discovered about the medication as it relates to IBD treatment.
If you have any other helpful readings please post them below and they will be considered for the main post of this group for quick access to info:
Fact Sheet: Azathioprine/6MP Drug Treatment Information
http://www.nacc.org.uk/downloads/fac...ioprine6MP.pdf
Members
Agent X20,
aideen33,
Allison M,
AllyNZ,
aloe,
Amanda89,
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Ands,
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Last edited by CrohnsChicago; 03-06-2013 at 06:59 PM.
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02-24-2013, 04:04 PM
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#2
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Super Moderator
Join Date: Aug 2012
Location: Chicago, Illinois
My Support Groups:
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I am on my 11th day of 75mg 6-MP after determining the combination of Prednisone and Asacol is just not enough to keep my flares under control for longer periods of time.
***UPDATE***So far the only side effect I have noticed and feel I can link to 6MP is the fatigue that hits me in waves through the day. While I know I was fatiguged from being in a flare for a while, this heavy level of fatigue didn't exist until after I started the med. It's like I get a sudden urge to just pass out my eyelids get so heavy and my body starts winding down. I also think the combo of pred is what keeps me up late or waking up SUPER early some nights unable to get back to sleep.
I'm curious to know if anyone has any information/tips on hair styling for women with curly hair. I am certain the Asacol and disease itself over the past year is what has taken a toll on my hear thinning it out significantly to where wearing it curly is not really an option anymore. I am hoping the 6-MP does not add to this as I have heard some people mention hair loss as a result of taking this medication.
I occasionally straighten it, but I am looking into the option of wigs (extensions are just WAY out of my budget). Preferably something that is durable and can be worn by a physically active person...and of course looks reasonably natural.
***2/25/14 UPDATE*** Well a year later since starting this post and The hair thinning continued on my hair my eyebrows and my eyelashes. Each time my dosage was upped the hair thinning got worse to the point I could see bald spaces around the top of my head and it looked as if I was losing hair though not much was falling out.
I talked to my doctor about it and since I am in remission and also because my TPMT tests have been a little odd (it is working for me at lower than normal dosages, but my body has an unusual response to metabolizing 6 - mp though nothing of major concern), we have decided to lower my dose of 6-mp. We are also doing a slow taper off of asacol (also known to cause hair thinning).
It has been about two months since the dose change. I can say that my hair seems to be getting slightly better with this medication adjustment. Hopefully the lowering of 6-mp and the eventual elimination of Asacol will keep me in remission. fingers crossed!
Last edited by CrohnsChicago; 02-25-2014 at 11:01 AM.
Reason: 6MP side effect update added - New Symptom
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02-24-2013, 08:38 PM
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#3
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Join Date: Sep 2012
Location: Belle Chasse, Louisiana
My Support Groups:
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I've been on 50 mg of 6MP for a little over a month now. I haven't noticed any extreme hair loss. I, too, fear the hair loss that I've heard about with this medication. Hopefully, someone comes along with some tips.
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02-24-2013, 09:08 PM
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#4
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Moderator
Join Date: Jan 2012
Location: Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
My Support Groups:
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Hi, I am the mother of a 17 year old girl who has been on aza for 13 months now. No side effects, still trying to get her levels in range.
Her hair seems to have improved since being on aza.
__________________
Catherine
Mother of Sarah dx aged 16, Jan 2012
DX - CD 1/12, asthma
Small bowel to small bowel fistula
Meds: ), azathioprine 200mg, Mesalazine 1.2g x 2, seretide 250 x 2 (asthma), ventolin (as needed)
Currently no supplements.
Has previously taken Multi B, Caltrate, B12 & Iron
Prednisolone (from 30 mg 01/02/2012 to 17/06/2012, 30mg 24/10/12-28/12/12, 50mg 24/1/13-27/4/13)
Last edited by Catherine; 02-25-2013 at 02:55 AM.
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02-24-2013, 11:09 PM
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#5
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Forum Monitor
Join Date: Jul 2012
Location: Barrington, New Jersey
My Support Groups:
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Please add me to the support group.
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02-25-2013, 07:11 PM
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#6
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Senior Member
Join Date: Jun 2012
Location: New York
My Support Groups:
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I have been on 50 mg of 6-mp for a month now. My inflammation markers are still increasing so my dose was upped today to 75 mg. Hope it works.
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02-25-2013, 08:18 PM
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#7
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Forum Monitor
Join Date: Oct 2011
Location: Cincinnati, Ohio
My Support Groups:
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My 12 year old has been on 6mp for a year and a half now. They just doubled his dose, still trying to get the dose right.
__________________
Mom of Johnny
Dx Oct 11 2011 Crohns disease
Prednisone done 12/30/11
6mp 50mg every day
Allopurinol 50mg -discontinued per new G.I. on 11/01/12
Multi Vitamin
Vitamin D3 1000mg
Prayer
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02-25-2013, 09:50 PM
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#8
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Forum Monitor
Join Date: Mar 2011
Location: New Brunswick
My Support Groups:
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I am on my 11th day of 75mg 6-MP after determining the combination of Prednisone and Asacol is just not enough to keep my flares under control for longer periods of time. So far no major side effects except for maybe an occasional mild headache/sinus discomfort.
I'm curious to know if anyone has any information/tips on hair styling for women with curly hair. I am certain the Asacol and disease itself over the past year is what has taken a toll on my hear thinning it out significantly to where wearing it curly is not really an option anymore. I am hoping the 6-MP does not add to this as I have heard some people mention hair loss as a result of taking this medication.
I occasionally straighten it, but I am looking into the option of wigs (extensions are just WAY out of my budget). Preferably something that is durable and can be worn by a physically active person...and of course looks reasonably natural.
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Did you check your thyroid? If that's off it can cause thinning hair
__________________
Diagnosed since 1990
Current Medications: None currently. Was on Imuran (150mg/day) and 5-ASA (3000 mg/day) as maintenance meds prior to surgery
Surgeries: Left hemicolectomy 2014.
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02-25-2013, 10:39 PM
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#9
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Super Moderator
Join Date: Aug 2012
Location: Chicago, Illinois
My Support Groups:
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Did you check your thyroid? If that's off it can cause thinning hair
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I haven't had it tested in about 2 years...i think...I get so many blood tests these days it's hard to keep up off the top of my head. I know hair thinning is also common in my mom's side. In addition my dad had thyroid issues as does my grandma (my grandma is going bald a bit)
Probably should pay more attention but I definitely know over the past 12 months since my first flare it has become a lot more noticeable.
Thanks for the suggestion.
***UPDATE: I actually just pulled my blood results (I like to keep records). My last TSH test was in August 2012 and my results were 3.88 which is well within the normal range I believe so unless there's a test I'm not receiving yet I am going to say it has to be the crohn's/meds combo.
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02-28-2013, 12:59 AM
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#10
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Senior Member
Join Date: May 2012
Location: New South Wales, Australia
My Support Groups:
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I suppose i should join this club too.
My 15.5 year old is starting imuran today... 
They're starting her on 50mg for two weeks then increasing to 125mg
Shes also taking Pentasa ....and has also been put on flagyl.
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02-28-2013, 02:05 AM
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#11
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Adminstrator
Join Date: Jan 2010
Location: California
My Support Groups:
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6MP can cause hair loss unfortunately. If it helps, I didn't notice hair loss until after I had been taking it for over 10 years.
I spoke with a hair stylist friend of mine somewhat recently about the issue and she suggested having a shorter hair cut with layers to help add volume (shoulder length is ok, doesn't have to be extremely short) and if you dye your hair darker, to stop and possibly even go a shade or two lighter.
I've been dying mine black for years but with the hair loss, it starts to look like I'm balding so I'm gradually lightening up the color (grew the roots out some, got a short A line hair cut and dyed the roots a rich chocolate brown instead of touching up the black).
I'm sorry I don't have any info on wigs or anything of that nature.
__________________
Diagnosis: Crohn's in 1991 at age 9
Surgeries: 1 Small Bowel Resection in 1999; Central IV in 1991-92
Meds for CD: 6MP 75mg
Things I take: Tenormin 25mg (PVCs and Tachycardia), Junel (endometriosis), Tylenol 3 (Osteoarthritis), Zantac 150mg 2/day (acid reflux), Klonopin 1mg (Panic Disorder), Imitrex 25mg (migraines), Zofran 8mg (nausea)
Currently in: REMISSION Thought it was a flare but it's just scar tissue from my resection. Dealing with a stricture. Remission from my resection, 19 years and counting.
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03-01-2013, 06:47 PM
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#12
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Senior Member
Join Date: Jan 2013
Location: Edmonton, Alberta
My Support Groups:
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I started imuran 6 weeks ago, and am tapering off prednisone. I feel better for the most part. I was told that hunger is a side effect to prednisone but I totally never feel hungry and force myself to eat in order to take my pills and because I know I should. Does anyone else have this problem?
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03-01-2013, 07:53 PM
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#13
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Forum Monitor
Join Date: Mar 2011
Location: New Brunswick
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The hunger / increased appetite has been more noticeable sometimes when I've had to take a round of prednisone for a flare than others, the same with the insomnia.
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03-01-2013, 08:34 PM
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#14
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Senior Member
Join Date: Jan 2013
Location: Edmonton, Alberta
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But I'm on prednisone and still not hungry at all really. I am definitely noticing the insomnia though.
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03-01-2013, 08:36 PM
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#15
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Forum Monitor
Join Date: Mar 2011
Location: New Brunswick
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The hunger level has either been normal or ravenous / continually snacky, never had the lack of appetite. The next time I am on pred and have insomnia, I have vowed to take Gravol before bed.
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03-01-2013, 08:41 PM
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#16
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Senior Member
Join Date: Jan 2013
Location: Edmonton, Alberta
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Gravol and I don't tend to get along, I pretty much nap through my nights at this point as nothing seems to help my insomnia.
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03-01-2013, 08:51 PM
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#17
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Super Moderator
Join Date: Aug 2012
Location: Chicago, Illinois
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Im usually crazy hungry on pred but this time I toggle between the same hungers hawkeye has.I Typically only have no appetite when something like my symptoms are bothering me Or im under stress
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03-01-2013, 09:18 PM
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#18
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Senior Member
Join Date: Jan 2013
Location: Edmonton, Alberta
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My big concern is that I haven't had an appetite for 3 months, ever since I was hospitalized and found out I have IBD. Though I am now starting to feel better with the imuran, I'm still really having a hard time with getting my appetite back, which is making it hard to stop losing weight.
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03-01-2013, 09:30 PM
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#19
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Super Moderator
Join Date: Aug 2012
Location: Chicago, Illinois
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well while on the pred make sure you are drinking plenty of water to flush out your system and reducing your sodium intake to prevent water retention which is very common and a common cause for the bloating, weight gain (as well as increased hunger). My doctor also told me increased water intake on 6-MP was good too because it helps your body flush out toxins and process the meds better.
The only other suggestion I can make is to find ways to be a bit more physically active if you are well and of course choose healthier, safer options for food as often as possible being mindful of portions. As you taper down off of pred you will start to hopefully notice some of the weight/bloating go down, but for some folks it may take a bit longer. The rest it seems will be up to you to control your diet and exercise.
Hopefully it doesn't affect you too harshly. Just continue to be mindful of your dietary habits while on pred that's about all most of us can do.
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03-02-2013, 08:32 AM
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#20
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Forum Monitor
Join Date: Apr 2012
Location: Brighton, United Kingdom
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It took me almost... 6 months for my Aza to start working (well, I was only on 35mg half the time, but that's another story) but I feel like it's finally starting to work and I am so relieved!! When I first started I had to force myself to eat and I was dropping weight like nobody's business but now I have an appetite that rivals my prednisone munchies and I'm finally gaining weight again
Only thing is that my hair's thinned out tremendously - but to be honest, sometimes it was a little too thick to deal with before. Anyway, I just wanted to share, and say I hope everyone's doing well.
__________________
Hi, I'm Emma!
20 years old.
Diagnosed: Crohn's disease, August 2007
Currently on: Inflectra 5 mg/kg, azathioprine 37.5mg
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03-02-2013, 09:27 AM
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#21
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Super Moderator
Join Date: Aug 2012
Location: Chicago, Illinois
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So here is my question....if you are on pred for the beginning of it all at what point did you all realize it was working for you? Was it the continued lack of symptoms that was initially Induced by the prednisone?
Or were there still some signs of things not being well after stopping pred and then eventually the 6mp/aza/imuran kicked in?
I hope my question made sense lol
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03-02-2013, 02:44 PM
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#22
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Senior Member
Join Date: May 2012
Location: New South Wales, Australia
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Sorry to change the subject.
My 15 year old started taking imuran along with her pentasa and antibiotics a few days ago and the fatigue and nausea have already started...how long do these side effects last?
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03-02-2013, 08:59 PM
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#23
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Senior Member
Join Date: Jun 2012
Location: New York
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Sorry to hear that she is having side effects. I found that if I take 6mp right before I go to bed, it helped with the nausea and it might even help the fatigue as well.
Good luck with it.
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03-03-2013, 09:54 AM
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#24
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Senior Member
Join Date: Jan 2013
Location: Edmonton, Alberta
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Sorry to change the subject.
My 15 year old started taking imuran along with her pentasa and antibiotics a few days ago and the fatigue and nausea have already started...how long do these side effects last?
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I found that the fatigue tends to stick around, I've been on imuran for about 7 weeks now. The nausea passed for the most part after a couple weeks. I still occasionally get nausea, but its not constant. I've noticed the longer I'm on the imuran and the less prednisone I'm on the more energy I seem to get, whether that's because I'm finally getting better or what I'm not sure. Hopefully that helps you.
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03-06-2013, 07:41 AM
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#25
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Senior Member
Join Date: Aug 2012
Location: Somerset, UK
My Support Groups:
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My sons been on 6-MP since mid December. We started to see a real difference by the end of January, tummy pain gone and more energy returning.
However, last 2 weeks energy levels been terrible. He is needing 10/11 hours sleep a night just to get through day at school.
Saw GI Monday and generally they are pleased with him, height gone up at last. They've tested blood for various difference things to check problem with tiredness. Hoping it is just iron levels and not 6-MP, as we do think it is working.
Xxx
__________________
.................................................. .............................
Son Joseph diagnosed July 2012 (aged 10)
Crohn's: oesophageal, ileal, oral and perianal disease
6 week exclusive modulen
8 weeks predisolone
2 weeks azathioprine - stopped after reaction
6-MP 50mg - stopped June 2014 (after 18 months)
Currently on:
Sennoside 18ml daily
Multi Vitamin
Omeprazole 10mg
Prochlorperazine 2 x 5mg
Predisolone as a mouth-wash (as and when needed)
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03-06-2013, 08:05 AM
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#26
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Senior Member
Join Date: Jan 2013
Location: Edmonton, Alberta
My Support Groups:
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So here is my question....if you are on pred for the beginning of it all at what point did you all realize it was working for you? Was it the continued lack of symptoms that was initially Induced by the prednisone?
Or were there still some signs of things not being well after stopping pred and then eventually the 6mp/aza/imuran kicked in?
I hope my question made sense lol 
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I started to notice I was waking up less in the night to run to the bathroom and the pain started to lessen. More recently I have had more energy and just felt better all around. Still not feeling 100% but I'm also not quite up to the full dose of up imuran yet so hopefully once I get there I will be feeling more like the healthy me.
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03-07-2013, 01:22 AM
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#27
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Join Date: Feb 2012
Location: Massachusetts
My Support Groups:
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I have been on 50mg of 6-MP for almost two years now. It has definitely worked to lower the inflammation levels in my body.
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03-07-2013, 01:28 AM
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#28
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Adminstrator
Join Date: Jan 2010
Location: California
My Support Groups:
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So here is my question....if you are on pred for the beginning of it all at what point did you all realize it was working for you? Was it the continued lack of symptoms that was initially Induced by the prednisone?
Or were there still some signs of things not being well after stopping pred and then eventually the 6mp/aza/imuran kicked in?
I hope my question made sense lol 
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For me I knew it was working once I had tapered off Prednisone without having symptoms return.
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03-16-2013, 10:34 PM
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#29
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Join Date: Jan 2013
Location: Alabama
My Support Groups:
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I have been on Imuran for 12 years. Except for the 8 months I came off of it in 2006. I was hoping to get pregnant during that time but instead, when the Imuran got out of my system I had a major flare-up that I honestly thought was going to kill me. So I went back on the Imuran, and don't intend to come off of it again.
I don't remember ever having any side effects with this medicine. I know it takes several months to get in your system though. I just know when it gets in my system I start feeling lots better.
CrohnsChicago,
I'm not an expert on the hair loss, but it's been my experience that when I'm going into a flare and sometimes during the flare, my hair starts to fall out. I have a very thick head of hair so I don't miss it just by looking at it. But when I wash it, brush it, run my hand through it, it comes out in handfuls. I mean a lot more than what is normal. I find it all over furniture, my clothes, the carpet. I've never read this anywhere as a symptom of the disease, but I think it has more to do with certain vitamin defiencies than anything else. Because when the Crohn's is flaring up, your food is not being digested properly. So you lose vitamins and all the other good stuff you need. That's one way I know mine is about to flare up. My hair starts falling out. This has happened to me all 3 times my Crohn's has flared. I thought at first it was the medicine, but then it happened at a time I hadn't changed medicines. So I consider it a symptom of the disease because of the loss of vitamins.
Hope that was helpful!
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03-17-2013, 04:45 PM
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#30
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Holding It Together
Join Date: Jan 2013
Location: North Central, Illinois
My Support Groups:
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Telangectasia Effluvium - hair loss associated with major life crises. Corresponds with major stressors, probably includes bad Crohn's flares. Hair usually returns 3-4 months later with the normal cycle of growth.
__________________
Carol
J's story: http://apathnotchosen.blogspot.com
*J, 18, Crohn's diagnosis 1-2013 (age13), intermittent NG feedings nightly.
Osteoporosis/osteopenia, Scoliosis, EDS, Asthma, Epilepsy, Hla B-27 positive, gluten intolerant, thrombophlebitis, c.diff, depression, anxiety, postural tachycardia/POTS and multiple food allergies.
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