I have recently stopped talking Azathioprine, which is a big milestone in my journey with Crohns.
Something to celebrate after 14 years of taking the medication daily!
The last time I came off the medication it did not take me long to be back into remission. This time I feel a lot healthier and have learn my lessons from last time.
Life style choice is the biggest factor. Last time I was young and would be out most weekends smoking and drinking. Now that I am a married man and parent I find it a lot easier to remain healthy - with the odd blow out now and again.
I also think stress plays a part.. So I try to remain chilled and not get stressy about minor things.
So my top tips for staying healthy are
- Stop smoking
- Drink sensibly
- Maintain a healthy lifestyle
- Try not to get stressed
Fingers crossed.. and I will not have a lot to blog about in the coming years.. But I will post anything I think might be useful.
5 comments:
I love the simplicity of this post - I completely agree that the solution to many chronic illnesses is to do with stress reduction and overall lifestyle! I currently take Azathioprine for Crohn's and my specialist has said I may never come off it. Apparently if you stop, and then try to start taking it again, your body may be immune to its effects the second time round, so it's better to just stay on it? I'd be curious as to your thoughts/experience with this.
Thanks!
Many thanks for your kind comments.
I believe the information your doctor gave you to be incorrect. Azathioprine can take time to start working, because of this, it can be administered intravenously to get it kick started.
Over the years I was monitored with precaution whilst on Azathioprine as it was a relatively new drug and the medical profession were unsure of the long term affects of taking it.
The drug did prove itself to be okay over long periods and my specialist was not worried about leaving me on the medication.
Personally I wanted to stop taking Azathioprine. I felt healthy and now believe I know how to handle my Chronhs condition.
So far, all good. I believe being medication free is a real positive milestone with my battle with Crohns.
Hope this helps. Good luck.
Hi,
I wonder if you could please post the message below on your Website/Blog/Twitter/Facebook pages for the 2013 Crohn's and Colitis UK Publicity Campaign? We are really trying to boost respondents to our latest survey which focuses on young people. Facebook seems to be the best way to contact them! NB. We are the Press Office for Crohn's and Colitis UK. Thank you!
Message:
"For our latest campaign Crohn's and Colitis UK are carrying out a survey of young people aged 16-29 with IBD, finding out your thoughts on a number of topics such as medication, surgery, transition, education and relationships.
They really need as many people as possible to take part so that they get a good view of what life is like as a young person with IBD. They'll then take these findings and make suggestions based upon them to relevant people, like Healthcare Professionals, to tell them exactly how you want to be treated, for example.
Please click through to the survey: http://www.nsmresearch.co.uk/surveys/nsm6484/sn6484.htm"
Many thanks,
Emily
Press Officer
Crohn's and Colitis UK
Hi
I've been reading your post as after 10 years of being on Azathioprine for Crohns the doctors have decided to take me off them today. I have been having a lot of trouble with my immune system so they are hoping to give me it back for 6 months to see if things improve. I am, like yourself, glad that I will be drug free, but very aprehensive at the same time. Am I going to take bad again etc.. I've already had 2 operations and really don't want to have anymore. Thank you for your reassurance that you can get better without it. I hope it works for me.
Regards
Angela
Glad my post has been reassuring to you Angela. Wish you all the best with coming of Azathioprine!
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