Strictly speaking, mine is indeterminate colitis as I have characteristics of both Crohn’s disease and UC, but they tend to treat indeterminate as if it is UC. I’ve been on azathioprine for about eight years now – since Asacol and intermittent steroids failed to keep symptoms under control. I had two bouts of steroids in one year, so azathioprine was the next step. Within weeks I felt almost like a normal person again.

I have my blood checked every three months to make sure that it’s not having a detrimental effect on my liver or too much of an effect on my blood cells. Because it’s an immunosuppressant, I am prone to picking up colds and infections, which take ages to clear. And I had a very stubborn wart – inside my nose of all places – and that took three attempts to burn off, requiring a reduction in my aza dose for a couple of weeks before the last successful attempt. There are possible long-term side effects, but as I’ve had no major problems and the control (until this current dose reduction) has been amazing, I wouldn’t want to stop using it.

Hope that helps!

Bad news is consultant is away on hols this week – how inconsiderate! Fingers crossed going back up to two tablets a day will sort things out.

HIM: I can give you something for this.

ME: Will it work?

HIM: No.