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Seeking alternative treatments for mild colitis

I have been prescribed Imuran for colitis. I have taken asacol and other milder meds but have had a severe allergic reaction to them. I was advised last Aug to start a maintenance drug as my colonoscopy showed up an active flare up, even though I wasn't symptomatic at the time. I'm on the milder spectrum and am wary of taking Imuran as a lot of side effects. I feel my colitis doesn't justify such severe medication. Just wondering, did anyone try alternative treatment? Any suggestions would be appreciated as wary of taking Imuran. Really down and emotional about it all.

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  1. Hi , thank you so much for reaching out to our community. I'm sure many people here can relate to the frustration of having something show up on your colonoscopy, but you feel fine! I wanted to share some complimentary treatments that I thought might interest you- https://inflammatoryboweldisease.net/treatment/complementary-and-alternative-therapies/ Also, if you haven't already, I urge you to open and discuss all of your concerns with your doctor. I'm hopeful other's will weigh in with their experiences as well. Please know that this community is here for you. Reach out anytime!! Sending hugs - Pam (team member)

    1. shared a great article, I hope you found it useful!
      From my personal experience, I haven't really ever had mild symptoms. I am either in remission or flaring badly - there's never any in between. However, I run a facebook group, so I know that how you're feeling is completely normal! Do have a chat with your healthcare team, and share your worries with them. For me personally, I'd be inclined to start the imuran, purely because it would make me feel "safe" for a while if it induced full remission. I think I would struggle if I knew that a full blown flare could rear its head and cause me a lot of pain and reduce my quality of life at any time, and then I might be waiting months for the treatment to work and get me "back on my feet".
      - Sahara (team member)

      1. I took Imuran in the past and had to be taken off because of the side effects. I then tried another maintenance drug and got the same side effects which was severe nausea to the point I couldn’t eat and my weight was dropping. There are other maintenance meds you can take besides Imuran. If you feel strongly about not taking the meds then it’s a possibility you should maybe do some research and talk with a Pharmacist about alternatives

        1. Hi , just checking in to see how you're feeling today? Thinking of you. - Pam (team member)

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