Beyond IBD: transcending chronic illness

Pills by Rebecca Leigh

I was browsing an IBD forum when I saw a thread asking if others ever forgot to take their medications. Intrigued, I clicked and found the author was referring to that kind of selective forgetfulness so useful when avoiding any number of unpleasant tasks.

For example, I rarely overlook the last piece of chocolate cake cunningly concealed at the back of the fridge, but may forget, until it is too late, the new exercise regime I was starting first thing Monday morning (oh well, there’s always the next day).

It seems I am not alone. The thread quickly swelled as others sheepishly admitted to this secret rebellion…

Why is it a secret?

• Because we are supposed to do everything the doctor tells us to.
• Because if we don’t then we ‘only have ourselves to blame’.
• Because people who don’t have to take 10 pills (or more) a day don’t understand why it is difficult/annoying/frustrating/boring.
• Because we feel guilty enough without a lecture from our doctor/parent/partner.

Why do we forget our medications?

It seems we are more likely to forget our medications when:

• we are in remission and feeling well
• we are taking a large number of pills each day
• the medication has to be taken at specific times before/after/during meals

But we are selective about which medications we forget. In the first instance, we drop the supplements like fish oil and multi-vitamins. After that we are more likely to skip those medications perceived to be ‘low potency’ maintenance drugs (like mesalazine) as opposed ‘high potency’ drugs (like prednisone or methotrexate).

What’s the real reason?

We tend to do the things we know are necessary, and treat the rest is optional.

Craig Harper on lifehack points out that we usually remember to take a shower everyday because, in our minds, it is a must do. It’s not an optional behaviour. Over time these also become habits ingrained in our daily routine.

If we know a particular medication is absolutely necessary, if it is relieving acute pain or diarrhea or is one which will cause uncomfortable side-effects if missed, we won’t forget to take it. It’s a must do.

But if we believe certain medications and supplements are optional - perhaps because their benefits are less immediate and tangible - then other factors come into play.

There is a part of us, especially those of us with a chronic illness, that resents the pills: resents these tiny daily reminders that we have a condition (probably for the rest of our lives) that we cannot control. And we want to rebel against them, just a little.

So what’s the answer?

I’m afraid I don’t have a neat five step guide for motivating yourself to take all your prescribed medications. No-one can make you do something you just don’t want to do.

It’s your body so make informed decisions and don’t let the occasional secret rebellion undermine your goal of good health.

Rebecca is a freelance writer. She provides smart, fresh writing for blogs, websites, newsletters and corporate communications. Contact Rebecca for all your writing needs: rebecca[at]beyondibd[dot]com

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