How bad is the pain, ctaylor, if you had to rate it on a scale from 0 (no pain) to 10 (the worst pain you can imagine)? Remember, if your pain is severe, it would probably be best not to sit it out at home, but to call your doctor or visit your hospital for advice.
With time, you might learnt what pain you need to *really* worry about
, and what's just normal for you and your illness, but you're new, so I think it might be better for you to be cautious at this stage.
Yes, there are medications that can help with the pain, but I think this is something you need to discuss with your doctor, as treatment options can vary between patients. Unfortunately, doctors can be very prone to say "the best way to treat your pain is to treat your illness and get you into remission", so please don't be overly shocked if you feel your doctor doesn't rush to provide you with relief. It's aggravating and upsetting, but it does happen... and all too often, I think.
Are you sure you mean to be on the Crohn's board, ctaylor? There is a colitis board, if that is where you'd prefer to be. If you go to the menu at the top of the page, you can scroll down until you find "ulcerative colitis".
No matter which forum you decide to post in, you are very welcome here. I'm looking forward to getting to know you better
.
Ivy.
ps. And yes, there are stronger medications than Asacol. You may find that you are prescribed more, and stronger, medicines soon, if your symptoms do not improve.