He won't take his pills!

[jimmyjimka]

Please, someone out there help me!
My boyfriend won't take his medication for his Chron's Disease. Now, I understand that Chron's is an intestinal inflammatory disease, and that taking your medication is supposed to curb the symptoms. I know that there is no cure for Chron's disease.
He has always told me that its 'under control' and that I 'shouldn't worry' about it. But, I can't -not- worry about it, I have heard from friends that people die from Chron's disease. Is that true? Does he really need to take his meds? When we started dating, he did routinely take them, but now, he's stopped, and I can't say I've seen a real difference in his behavior or actions. I just don't know what to think! I figured that someone out there would give me a helping opinion...

[TrudieC]

There is some risk if his disease gets active again and is severe.  I suggest you educate yourself more about the disease so you can use real information in any discussions with him.  The Crohn's and Colitis Foundation is a good place to start as well as in the health information here at MedHelp.  

Smoking brings with it other health issues.  It is sad to say that people with IBD have actually seen improvement in their disease with tobacco but hardly a good reason to start smoking.

[jimmyjimka]

He was taking mercaptopurine, twice a day I think. He hasn't been taking it since we started dating, so for almost six months now. Be honest with me-- is he putting himself at risk of dying? My friends have told me about "Oh, that kills people all the time" or "Yeah, someone I knew died from it." So I can't stop thinking about it, not to mention that he still smokes as well. Will the smoking add any factors to it?

[gah_70]

I have been guilty in the past of stopping my Crohn's medication for a period of time.  I couldn't tell any difference as far as flares or pain goes, but my next colonoscopy revealed more damage to my small intestine.  Even if he doesn't "feel" any different, it doesn't mean there is not deterioration going on.  Maybe you should have him come read this forum and see the suffering some of these people endure every day...people who faithfully take their medication yet still cannot control it.  He has the chance to prevent it, or at least delay it.  I don't mean to sound harsh, but it's more important than he thinks it is.  I hope he changes his mind.  

[TrudieC]

He is putting himself at risk of a bad flare which could result in severe disease and surgery.  What was he on?  Why has he stopped taking them?