> First, Dr. Messmer, have you found, as Nancy Fontana pointed out, that the
> medicines begin to lose their effectiveness after a while? Also, when you
> say that stress reduction can reduce the need for medication, is it
possible
> for stress reduction to completely obviate the need for medication? My GI
> doc seems to imply that if I go off the drugs, I am asking for a flare-up.
> Am I doomed if I do, doomed if I don't?
>
I have had people use the same medications at the same dose for years with
no significant flare ups - a little cramping and diarrhea occasionally, but
no significant complications. I have had people feel fine and stop their
meds thinking all is well, have a flare up, and after several times of doing
this, fail to respond to the prior treatment.
If you and your doctor believe you are doing well, and think it is worth a
try, taper off over a long time rather than stopping suddenly. Some people
can do it, some can not.
John
John J. Messmer, M.D.
Assistant Professor, Family & Community Medicine
Penn State College of Medicine
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