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Help with azathiophine side effects

Posted , 2 users are following.

jon1969
jon1969

Hi keep it as short as possible I have had chrohns for 20 years initially took steroids then mezalazine up until recently. I was in pain on and off so I had a colonoscopy and a 12 inch stricture was found so I'm now on azathiophine but after 3 months I have two side effects 1 iam tired all the while 2 my feet are so sore they feel I have walked 30 miles also my heels are v painful if I knock them also I seem to get headaches. I have 2 questions should I just have the op to remove the stricture which I have been offered but not  necessary as I'm pain free look well not loosing weight etc ? But my main concern is this what health issues am I going to have in say two or three years of taking this drug? My teeth just crumble away and 2 years ago a surgeon was all for doing a full shoulder replacement all because of me taking steroids years ago I'm going to discuss this with my GP but I cannot get an appointment for 3 weeks to see her can anyone give any advice in the meantime please ? Jon   

0 likes, 5 replies

5 Replies

  • barbara02082
    barbara02082 jon1969

    Posted

    Hi jon if I was you I would ask for an emergency appointment with your GP or a partner at the practise, I know that some times it is hard to get to see your own doctor but I think if you insist they have to get you an appointment with in so many hours, let's face it you have some serious complaints going on. As regards to the stricture will it get worse if it is left and are the Azathioprine helping in the long run. Good luck
    • jon1969
      jon1969 barbara02082

      Posted

      Thanks Barbara I have been offered an appointment if I ring in a morning but the chances are it won't fit into work time. I'm not in any pain it's great in that respect it's just the side effects and what issues I may have in the future if I continue taking this drug as I have found taking steroids as already mentioned. Of these tablets don't work then it's the end of the road I would have to have the op sad jon
  • barbara02082
    barbara02082 jon1969

    Posted

    You know Jon coming from and old timer like myself I have to say that your health is more important than your job, if the company value their staff you should be able to attend a doctors appointment if not try every morning to get an appointment that suits. You're health is important! Make the appointment for three weeks time anyway, can you not get to see the specialist I was told when I became poorly on Azathioprine that I could phone the hospital and they would see me the next day. Good luck
    • jon1969
      jon1969 barbara02082

      Posted

      Hi again I want to see my regular dr plus iam going for my regular blood test that I have to have because of taking these tablets and I'm going to ask them to test my thyroid glands etc so that when I see my dr she will have the results there in my experience with drs sometimes you have to think out of the box lol. Anyway as far as work goes they are understanding but I have a new boss and it doesn't help working with people who are never ill and  afraid there is so much ignorance about Crohns anyway I may be an old timer too lol 
  • barbara02082
    barbara02082 jon1969

    Posted

    It seems that you have everything covered as regards the NHS and are on top of things, as far as work colleagues not understanding health problems just remind them that they are not doctors and ask for a chat with your boss, if he is reasonable he will understand if not just make an appointment anyway at the Dr's, the job will be there after you  have left. Good luck💉💊
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