Microscopic Colitis and high autoantibody titers - any experience with Asacol?

I've had high ANA (1:1280) and ASMA/Actin Antibody titers (57), plus rheumatoid factor since 2005, when I developed an itchy post-partum rash over 60% of my body. It disappeared after weaning at one year. I never followed up after the rash cleared, went on to have a normal pregnancy 2 years later, and I'm now 2 years post-partum. I recently had 3 months of chronic diarrhea and digestive upset (I have a 10-yr history of mild IBS-D and lactose intolerance), and got a full battery of tests. The only abnormality was microscopic colitis on one of the colonoscopy biopsies. All other tests and antibodies were negative, SED rate was normal, liver and kidney chemistries normal, C-reactive protein normal, no anemia, CBC normal, etc.

Doc wants me to start Asacol but the side effects seem worse than my mild diarrhea. Question is, should I take the anti-inflammatory to try and stop the autoimmune process? The rheumy thinks this could progress to Crohn's, Colitis or autoimmune hepatitis someday. Has anyone out there had issues taking Asacol?

I'm thinking about consulting a naturopathic doctor. I've stared fish oil and quercetin (natural anti-inflammatories), but should I accept the Asacol in an attempt to quell the autoantibody activity in my system and prevent a worse disease?

I feel like a ticking time-bomb!

[Agnese]

I can only tell you my own experience. Crohn's runs in my family and after years of constipation I was diagnosed with Mild Chronic Colitis with Constipation & Cryptitis.  My doctor put me on Asacol and I had horrible uncontrollable diarrhea.  I took it for a few months and decided constipation was less painful and embarressing than diarrhea.  You may try drinking Apple Cider Vinegar mixed with honey.  It's a natural remedy for reducing inflammation and it works.

[TrudieC]

Many, many people have taken Asacol without any side effects.  I had Ulcerative colitis for 10 years before surgery and never had an issue.  The goal is to protect the colon from creating long term damage.