Flare up- I think?

I'm in Year 11 now, GCSE year, and I think I'm having a flare up. I can't eat without feeling nausea and I can't even go to the toilet properly. But more than that, I can't concentrate on any of my work: more than half an hour of studying and my brain won't do it. I don't know what it is. I'm on azathioprine right now but it doesn't seem to be working at all. On top of that, I have iron, zinc and vitamin D deficiency but the GP are refusing to give me medication for it. I don't know how I'm going to cope with exams and being ill. Like, what if I need the toilet in the exam: if I go it will waste time.I don't know what to do, can I have some advice...

amz-- Welcome to the forum. I'm sorry you're going through this. I can "hear" your stress.

I can relate to the brain fog, inability to concentrate and having this terrible disease at a young age. Your post resonated with me as I was 16 when my symptoms first appeared. 30 years later...... IBD is not just a disease of the gut...it affects the brain, your confidence, mental health, friendships, employment, skin etc etc.

Do you have parental and school support? A guidance counselor? At the time I made use of the schools mandate to provide extra help, extra time to complete exams etc. If your parent could contact the school and provide a doctors letter they will be able to accommodate you. My teachers also came to my home when I was in and out of hospital.

The good news is that you will get through this. 2 years ago I literally could not even flip through a magazine. I was so ill. Now I read a book a week. I also downloaded game apps for word searches etc to increase my comprehension as that suffered too.

How long have you been on AZA for? It takes at least 3 months to kick in.
Are you not on any other drugs?

As far as you vitamin deficiency ; you can go to the drug store and get vit D (1000mg/day), zinc, potassium etc. When I feel extremely weak I take b12, drink ensure etc. You can take zofran for nausea or gravol at night.

Sounds like you need much more than aZa. It often works in combination. What else have you tried?

Definitely need biologics/enemas in combination with aza.
Remicade is generally the first choice for biologic.