Alternatives to prednisone/imuran?

[drmom]

My 14-yr-old daughter has just been diagnosed with Crohn's; she also tested positive to the PPD skin test, so will be seen by an infectious diseases doc to evaluate exposure to TB before any medications are started.  I have read with interest the materials on MAP & the bacterial connection, the possibility of treating Crohn's with antibiotics as opposed to steroids, etc.   I'm especially curious about a possible link between the Crohn's & exposure to TB.  I'm very reluctant to put my daughter on the prednisone/imuran combination that has been recommended (plus possibly a 3rd drug to counterract TB) due to the serious side effects.  She is a very sensitive child who would be devastated by negative changes in her physical appearance (moonface, etc.)  Current symptoms aren't bad--she's going to school & is able to eat fairly normally, although growth retardation is an issue.  I'm hoping to buy time & find alternatives.  If any of you have advice, especially if you know of doctors in N.C. (mainly the Triangle area) who would be willing to try treating with antibiotics as opposed to steroids, I'd love to hear about it.  Our current doc is apparently not willing to try alternatives to the drug combination I mentioned.  Help, please.

[rthornton]

I would be careful.  I have read about this antibiotic treatment for autoimmune disease in general.  Although there is anecdotal evidence out there I haven't really seen any scientific evidence that shows it works.  This is an autoimmune disease, and it makes sense that suppressing the immune system (using imuran and prednisone) would slow it down.  On the other hand, it doesn't really make sense to me that an antibiotic...which fights off bacterial infections, would help out in the case of an autoimmune problem.

Prednisone and Imuran, on the other hand, are "tried and true".  These drugs do have risks...but THEY WORK and are known to work.

I am taking both of the drugs you mentioned.  Side effects vary across individuals and I have had absolutely NONE.  If problems develope the doctors can often help out with those.  I feel like these drugs are saving my life (I have autoimmune liver disease) and the benefits outweigh the risks for me.  In your daughters case it may be different.  I don't know how serious the disease is (mine is potentially life threatening...so I haven't much choice).  Maybe discuss your concerns with her doctor, and try to get a good sense of both the costs and the benefits before you make your final decision.  I know it is scary, think it through carefully and you will make the right decision!

By the way, my liver blood tests are normal after only three months on these drugs...they really do work!

My two cents....Rebecca

[groupmaster]

Try to find some info here:

<a href=http://www.curezone.com/forums/forum.asp?ForumID=64>Crohn's Forum</a> or  <a href=http://www.curezone.com/dis/>here</a>

Liza~