Another thread on here started by Sarah17 got me thinking that it would be interesting to discuss a bit the various experiences and approaches people had during phases when they did not take any of the standard Crohn's meds (biologics/immunosuppresives/5-Asa/corticosteroids).
After taking aza for 5 years I initially phased it out in 2008 because a. I was *sort of* in remission but b. I had quite some problems with anaemia and my doc said if I generally feel good otherwise, we should try to phase out the azathioprine and see whether that helps with the anaemia. Interestingly enough two things happened: 1. I stayed somewhat in remission, at least for the first year or so things didn't become worse but 2. the anaemia stuck around too.
Well, since 2010 I have been on aza again and in a really good remission, practically symptom free for the last 15 months (no anaemia any more, I do a lot of sport, take vitamin and the right iron supplements etc.). I am now considering to phase out aza again next year and see what happens.
Any thoughts or experiences with going off Crohn's meds after being on them for a while?
After taking aza for 5 years I initially phased it out in 2008 because a. I was *sort of* in remission but b. I had quite some problems with anaemia and my doc said if I generally feel good otherwise, we should try to phase out the azathioprine and see whether that helps with the anaemia. Interestingly enough two things happened: 1. I stayed somewhat in remission, at least for the first year or so things didn't become worse but 2. the anaemia stuck around too.
Well, since 2010 I have been on aza again and in a really good remission, practically symptom free for the last 15 months (no anaemia any more, I do a lot of sport, take vitamin and the right iron supplements etc.). I am now considering to phase out aza again next year and see what happens.
Any thoughts or experiences with going off Crohn's meds after being on them for a while?
