advice

[stirling123]

had a problem about 15 years ago and had various tests and finally a colonoscopy. the results didnt show conclusively that i had uc but nevertheless was prescribed octasa 6 tablets per day. over the years that followed i reduced the tablets down to 1 in the morning and 1 at night. i went for another colonoscopy about 6 years ago which had same non diagnosis but was strongly advised by the consultant to stick on the full medication. i again only now take 1 in morning and 1 at night. i dont have any symptoms apart from an occasional stomach ache and this is every blue moon. should i seek a second opinion as i feel that i am taking tablets for a condition i may not have ever had?

[bantam12]

The Octasa is probably keeping your UC in remission and if 2 tabs a day are enough then stick to that. Getting a second opinion may not help because unless you are in a flare it would be difficult to give a definite answer.

I only take 2 a day and just increase the dose if I need to, I’ve been in remission for around 25 years but I definitely wouldn’t stop taking them and risk a flare up.

[stirling123 in reply to bantam12]

thanks for reply, i just hate taking medication (especially for this number of years) and i often wonder if i was just given this medication as a matter of course to sell a pharmaceutical product when i only had haemorrhoids/polyps (which actually was found during sigmoidoscopy)!!

[bantam12 in reply to stirling123]

As you had a colonoscopy the doc must have been suspicious of a problem to prescribe the meds. Obviously it’s entirely your choice whether you get another opinion, carry on or try stopping them, personally I would never risk it. Good luck for whichever you decide on.

[Malachy12]

Did you have a sigmoidoscopy or colonoscopy or both? I had investigations 30 years ago and was told I had IBS. When I had a recent colonoscopy I was told I had IBD non specific colitis and had probably had it all my life. When I described the procedure I’d had before it turned out to be a sigmoidoscopy which doesn’t go far enough in to see the whole bowel. They must have seen something to make them give you medication. Can you ask for more details? You don’t say what your symptoms were but you need to weigh up the pros and cons of a possible flare up. Good luck.

[stirling123 in reply to Malachy12]

good advice, yes i had both stigmoidoscopy, then colonoscopy and then another routine colonoscopy some years later. i have moved countries since then so would have to ask doctor to refer to specialist (if i can even see a doctor!) non of my procedures were conclusive and non showed uc. mainly worried about taking this medication long term (ie for life). have regular blood tests.

[Malachy12]

I hope you get some answers soon. I too have been prescribed medication that I don’t feel I need, at the moment at least, so I have just emailed my specialist to explain my reasons.