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Mercaptopurine or Not?? Don't Know What to Do!!

Posted , 2 users are following.

IndieHannah
IndieHannah

My Consultant is trying to convince me to take Mercaptopurine.  That to take this drug therapy could mean avoiding surgery for longer.

I have had Crohn's for twenty-five years and have always used a liquid diet instead of drugs to treat aggressive flares.  This is because the steroids and immunosuppressants made me far more ill in the past!  The liquid diets are always hard but do actually work.  But I have had three resections since 1994 and I really don't want anymore.

Can anyone out there give me any advice or share some wisdom with me on this as I really don't know what to do??

Thanks

0 likes, 4 replies

4 Replies

  • barbara02082
    barbara02082 IndieHannah

    Posted

    Hi IndieHannah, it is really difficult when the specialist is trying to persued you to take something that you are not comply with. I tried Azathioprine as you may have read from my postings and was really poorly, it is a chance you have to take and make up your own mind,not much help I guess but I am happy with my choice I made. Good luck, just think that there are so many strange bugs and germs to pick up that you need your immune system. Can you talk to you GP about it, mine has been really helpful and put my mind at ease. Shame she is retiring at the end of March. Good luck
    • IndieHannah
      IndieHannah barbara02082

      Posted

      Thanks Barbara..... I think I've decided not to go with the drugs. Looking back over the years I realise that my ability to manage the disease through diet and lifestyle choices has enabled me to recover well from all the surgeries I've had. Taking the drug seems to give no guarantee of no further surgery but it does lessen my chances of remaining relatively healthy!! It's a tough one, but I have yet to hear of one single positive outcome of these particular treatments. If you don't mind me asking.... How do you manage your illness without the drug therapy ??

      Thanks again for your reply

  • barbara02082
    barbara02082 IndieHannah

    Posted

    Hi again, I am taking 7.5mg Prednisalone daily, and Ursofalk 4 capsules daily, I have PBC with AIH overlap so in brief two autoimmune ailments which both end up attacking my liver, I am 66 and also have tablets for high blood pressure, and high cholesterol so enough is enough as far as chemicals go. Good luck I know I have made the right choice for me I hope that you have also chosen well. Good luck 
    • IndieHannah
      IndieHannah barbara02082

      Posted

      Thanks Barbara for sharing that, sounds like you have much to deal with and you've got your meds balanced right.

      It's difficult to know if the choices we make regarding are health are the right ones. In the end I guess we just have to trust our instincts.

      I wish you well and thank you for your reply.

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