The Student Room Group

Do I really need medication to treat my crohn's

I've had Crohns disease ever since I was 10 years old and I'm now 19. I had stage 4 Crohn's and was constantly in and out of hospital through my childhood and teen years. I was on a bunch of medication (oral tablets,IV's,Modulen liquid diets etc) and at one point taking 13 tablets per day. That still didn't do the trick and I was progressively getting worse, I finally got the surgery I needed at aged 15 and had a subtotal colectomy and now have an ileostomy. I have had perfect health since then other than a few minor hiccups and some anemia here and there. I remember my doctors telling me after the surgery that it was important that I always take my medication even when in remission. Its been 4 years since my last flare up and sometimes I feel like a ticking time-bomb just waiting for it to come back. About a year ago I got my bloods checked at the GP and he told me that I didn't need the medication for my Crohn's anymore because my blood was fine. I told him that i was told to take this medication as a precaution for the rest of my life by my Crohn's consultant at the children's hospital I used to go to and he said it wasn't necessary, i understand he is a doctor but wouldn't a Gastroenterologist know better on how to treat my case? I'm in between homes right now because of university so I 'm not sure which hospital or doctor to get advice from on this? Am I being dramatic? Maybe I'm just so used to taking medication that it seems unusual to not be on any i don't even know.
Original post by NadiaIshaq
I've had Crohns disease ever since I was 10 years old and I'm now 19. I had stage 4 Crohn's and was constantly in and out of hospital through my childhood and teen years. I was on a bunch of medication (oral tablets,IV's,Modulen liquid diets etc) and at one point taking 13 tablets per day. That still didn't do the trick and I was progressively getting worse, I finally got the surgery I needed at aged 15 and had a subtotal colectomy and now have an ileostomy. I have had perfect health since then other than a few minor hiccups and some anemia here and there. I remember my doctors telling me after the surgery that it was important that I always take my medication even when in remission. Its been 4 years since my last flare up and sometimes I feel like a ticking time-bomb just waiting for it to come back. About a year ago I got my bloods checked at the GP and he told me that I didn't need the medication for my Crohn's anymore because my blood was fine. I told him that i was told to take this medication as a precaution for the rest of my life by my Crohn's consultant at the children's hospital I used to go to and he said it wasn't necessary, i understand he is a doctor but wouldn't a Gastroenterologist know better on how to treat my case? I'm in between homes right now because of university so I 'm not sure which hospital or doctor to get advice from on this? Am I being dramatic? Maybe I'm just so used to taking medication that it seems unusual to not be on any i don't even know.


Is there a way for you to contact your consultant and ask for a second opinion about the medication?
Reply 2
I would ask your consultant, if you can't then ask for a referral to a gastroenterologist and see what they say.
Reply 3
Original post by DrawTheLine
Is there a way for you to contact your consultant and ask for a second opinion about the medication?


That's my issue right now, I've been discharged from the children's hospital that I used to go to, those consultants that had told me to carry on with medication are not my doctors anymore. I'm trying to get referred to a specialist hospital in Leeds where I am for university but its taking a while.
Original post by NadiaIshaq
That's my issue right now, I've been discharged from the children's hospital that I used to go to, those consultants that had told me to carry on with medication are not my doctors anymore. I'm trying to get referred to a specialist hospital in Leeds where I am for university but its taking a while.


Sounds like you might have to stick out the wait unfortunately.
I have to say, crohn's can be a serious illness. Sometimes GPs don't always know best so definitely ask for a referral to a consultant or try to get into contact with the one from your childhood. Have they discharged you completely from the gastro department?

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