Cutting Back on Medications

[skigirl]

Hi All,

I was diagnosed with ileal crohn's about 6 years ago. I had inflammatory narrowing at diagnosis and it took about a year and a half to get in remission. Ended up on prednisone for several months without improvement, finally got admitted and got started on remicade which achieved remission. Since then, I've done really well and am only on imuran. I've had 3 scopes which have all been normal in appearance (although the middle one did have evidence of inflammation on biopsy, still waiting on biopsy results from most recent).

I'm wondering since I've been lucky enough to be in remission for several years, is there a point where people have had their doctors stop their immune suppressing meds? I plan on bringing this up with my doctor an next visit, but am wondering about others experiences. I have really mixed feelings as I don't like the idea on being on immune suppressing medication unnecessarily but am also afraid of having a relapse as I was pretty miserable for a good year when diagnosed.

Thanks for any input!

 

[Josephine]

I have some where manage add other two while waiting aza decide to working.

 

[shamrock15]

I am finally into a medication controlled remission after 25 years. It is clear in my case when my remicade is delayed by a week that it is still pretty necessary, so I can't say I am in favour of stopping my meds. If you are getting along without it, and you haven't seen any indications of recurrance, I think it's worth considering dropping the meds. Hopefully you get the opportunity!

 

[Cross-stitch gal]

I honestly don't know if it'd be a good idea or not to discontinue meds. I sure wouldn't do it without working with your doctor though. There are some who are able to get off all their medications and they'll do just fine for awhile. However, there are others who will try to be without any medications and will be flaring quite quickly. You'll never know which one you are unless you try it. But, please talk to your doctor about this first! Good luck!

 

[ellie]

Slowly, slowly.. Broad brush strokes..
Be guided by your GI consultant, and my instinct is to go very gently with changes - my Crohn's is colonic, I am technically in "remission" both symptomatically and on colonoscopic histopath. (Still have intermittent EIMs)
At the moment, Sulphasalazine is keeping things under control
Last appointment, (6months ago)my GI suggested I could cut back from 3gm to 2gm daily. I'm taking the "very slowly" approach, have been taking 2.5gm for the past few months, and will gradually cut back by one tab less every second day for a few months before moving on..
Good luck with managing your treatment!


HD