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Going off meds?

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Ulcerative Colitis
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Posted 4/26/2008 7:45 PM (GMT -6)
I am currently on Asacol 3 3X/day, 50mg of 6MP, cortenemas 1xweek and remicade infusions every 8 weeks.  My concern is that each time I'd go see my GI, she would add to my list of meds and not take anything away.  Do all the meds need to be taken in conjunction with each other?  I'd really like to ween myself off the pills and just get the infusions and use the enemas when needed.  Does anyone have an opinion on this?  I have been symptom free for about 4 months now, just occasional indigestion or discomfort, usually after doing something I shouldn't be (drinking a bit too much, eating fried foods).  I would like to try a more holistic natural approach to all of this, maybe accupuncture, refining my diet, anything other than the medicine cabinet I carry around with me on a daily basis.
Posted 4/26/2008 10:32 PM (GMT -6)
My daughter is 6, diagnosed at 5.  She will be on medication for the rest of her life.  Most people go off there meds and regret it, the flare is always worse.  Please stay of your medication.
Posted 4/26/2008 10:56 PM (GMT -6)
Staying on Asacol is recommended to help prevent colon cancer, but you may be able to gradually lower the dose to a lower level. Drop one pill every two to three weeks and see how you do. Many people can get down to 4 pills a day. Talk with your GI about the 6-MP and express your desire to wean off it. Sometimes it truly takes a combination to maintain your remission.

Of course it's your decision whether to take any medication, but be sure you're prepared to deal with some possibly really bad results if you do go off. It's up to you whether you're willing to take the risk or not. The flare that comes after stopping meds is nearly always more difficult to control.
Posted 4/27/2008 7:10 AM (GMT -6)

You're symptom free because of all the meds. Go off 'em, see what happens- I will guarantee you'll wind up regretting it. It's not too many meds, really- they work in conjunction. What about the Lexapro, drop that one if you feel the need to go a more holistic route.

Posted 4/27/2008 8:02 AM (GMT -6)
Please stay on your meds
Posted 4/27/2008 10:02 AM (GMT -6)
I went off my meds because I was in remission and just got tired of taking all the pills. I enjoyed over 10 years of remission without meds except for a minor blip (D after dinner maybe once a month or so) My last flare started over 2 years ago and took me 2 years to get back into remission. when first diagnosed I was told I had lower left sided colitis, now I am told that 3/4 of my colon is involved. I'm kind of kicking myself for going off my meds. Would the UC have spread to 3/4 of my colon if I stayed on the meds????? Not sure if I would do it again. In remission again, THANK GOD!! Never thought I'd get there again. The past 2 years have been hell, alot worse than when first diagnosed. I do consider myself to pretty lucky though. I have never been hospitalized because of the UC, and after reading alot of posts here, so many people have it soooooooooo much worse than I do. I wish everyone could enjoy a long remission..............I can't say "I know how you feel" about taking all the meds, because I was only on azulfidine (6 - 8 pills a day) and folic acid before I stopped the meds, and I got sick of taking them. I'm sick of taking my meds now, but I just tell myself to stop the whining, suck it up and do what you got to do. Good Luck, please think it over ALOT before stopping your meds.
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