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Rectal Meds

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Ulcerative Colitis
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Posted 2/22/2009 12:18 PM (GMT 0)
I have had so many changes in meds lately ...nothing really seems to work for long periods of time... so I flare quite often.... I know I should be using rectal meds...but the thought of using them makes me ill ...is this just me??? I just hate the thought of using them ...sorry to be such a baby...
Posted 2/22/2009 12:58 PM (GMT 0)
Rectal meds aren't that bad once you get used to them, it just becomes normal to do it! You are very similar to me in that no meds seem to be working for long periods of time - except for me that includes rectal meds. I have been flaring most of the past year, and now am ending up having to go into hospital. If you want to sort things out you need to give the rectal meds a go - they may be what works for you. If you don't try them then you may get worse, but even if you do try them and they don't work, at least you and the doctors know that and can work on the next step.
Posted 2/22/2009 2:27 PM (GMT 0)
When I was dx-ed with UC I didn't respond to anything and then they put me on the rectal meds and I was horrified. But I tried and they worked-- every time. I don't mean to sound cold or mean but you just have to get over it-- especially if nothing else helps. It isn't fun by any means but neither is taking medicine and not having it work. I hope you're feeling better soon.
Posted 2/22/2009 2:30 PM (GMT 0)
I've only tried suppositories but I have to say it is no big deal. I pop one in at night before bed and one in after my morning BM and I am good to go for the day. They are really easy to use and they help big time. Enemas seem a little bit more difficult but if it helped keep me stay off the toilet, I would be using them.
Posted 2/22/2009 2:31 PM (GMT 0)
I was horrified too when I first started mine. I'm over that now seeing that the meds are working. Whatever it takes to not flare is worth it in my book.
Posted 2/22/2009 4:53 PM (GMT 0)
I put off using them for the longest time cuz I just couldn't wrap myself around the idea of jamming something up my butt every night. But I finally gave in and it was the best thing I ever did. Now - as soon as I notice any slight change I reach for my suppositories. You will just have to force yourself to try. Once you see how well they work - you kinda get past the grossness factor. And then it just becomes the new norm.
Posted 2/22/2009 6:44 PM (GMT 0)
It's definitely your choice.....but if they work (and they have for me for 20 years), that could be in your favour for a very long time.

I, personally, am more grossed out by having a flare than sticking meds in the area that will help treat and control it.

I'm hardcore 5-ASA...and intend (hope) to remain that way forever.

My flares have been minimal...and that's purely from treating with the enemas early, using them for treatment nightly and then slowly tapering to a maintenance dosage.

Are they a regular med staple....yes.....but I don't always have to use them nightly. Sometimes I hurry the taper just because I hate using them....and have skipped a night "just because"..although that's very seldom.

Your choice..
quincy
Posted 2/22/2009 8:18 PM (GMT 0)
I was diagnosed in Oct 2008 and had been unable to get into full remission until I started using 5 ASA Pentasa enemas. I had started using Entocort (corticosteroid) enemas when I was first diagnosed, but they didn't do anything. It was very discouraging, but I am sure glad that I was willing to try the Pentasa enemas!!!! It has made a world of difference - I went from 6-10 loose bm's a day with blood to 2 or 3 formed bm's a day without blood :)
Posted 2/22/2009 9:26 PM (GMT 0)
I guess I'm in the minority, because I wasn't grossed out at all at the thought of using the Rowasa enemas. My thinking is that if it can help me not have urgent diarrhea 20x a day, then I'll try just about anything. I'm not squeamish at all though about doing "things" to my body.
Posted 2/22/2009 11:05 PM (GMT 0)
Thanks so much everyone ..your comments are helpful
Posted 2/22/2009 11:12 PM (GMT 0)
I just started canasa last night & before that I was using mesalamine wich is way harder and more uncomfortable. Canasa is easy to use.
Posted 2/22/2009 11:12 PM (GMT 0)
It's simply not a very dignified disease. Worth trying!
Posted 2/23/2009 12:45 AM (GMT 0)
You are not alone. Rectal meds are not fun but there are actually nights when I can't remember if I've used them because it becomes a habit and I don't even notice. (Like taking all those pills.)

Here are few things that I've found make it all easier:
1) imagining the inflammation and imagining the meds actually soothing that area
2) warming up the bottle (if it's rowasa or other enema) under warm water
3) using Cortifoam instead of the enemas ... there's something about the foam that I find waaaay easier to deal with.
4) Using them whenever I feel I can handle it during the day, even if it's not at night. I figure it's better to use it at any point in the day than not at all. So try it in the evening and then lie around and watch tv.

The results from rectal meds can be really great. It's really worth trying consistently.
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