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Rowasa question?

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Ulcerative Colitis
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Posted 2/28/2009 5:04 AM (GMT 0)
Does anyone use Rowasa enemas as a maintenance drug?  I was using Rowasa 2 days every week and the new GI doc that I went to (the one who wants me to use Lialda and not LDN because she has never heard of it) told me by using these for only 2 days a week is going to do nothing for me.  Does that sound right?  Or should the Rowasa only be used for when you are in a bad flare?
Posted 2/28/2009 5:31 AM (GMT 0)
Some people use them on an as-needed basis. Many are tuned into their bodies enough to know when a flare is looming and will begin using the rowasa as preventative-- in this way I think it works very well. It also has helped me go into remission in the past. As for maintenance, I don't know. I mean if you're healthy and not flaring is it doing anything? Dunno. However, if you stay in remission for long periods and have no flares then there may be something to be said for your method.

I personally can't wait to stop using mine... they help me big time but they sure do mess me up in terms of bm's the next morning. Once that stuff is out I feel great.
Posted 2/28/2009 5:52 AM (GMT 0)
The "should" be increased to nightly during a flare then once normal, start tapering to a maintenance dosage. (I've explained what I do in countless postings)

That's subjective, however. It's more of an ongoing process rather than nightly to twice weekly,

I've figured out my process through what I need...others have been able to taper off and then start when flaring then tapering off..etc.

The optimum maintenance dosage found through some studies is twice a week...I would equate that to every third or fourth night.

quincy
Posted 2/28/2009 3:09 PM (GMT 0)
I have been using them as a maintenance drug for 4 years.
Posted 2/28/2009 4:13 PM (GMT 0)
gaff,

Since you use rowasa as a maintenace drug how often do you use it?
Posted 2/28/2009 4:43 PM (GMT 0)
I believe that I read that it takes about 1 week of Rowasa to stop bleeding. Anyone have any stories on this?
Posted 2/28/2009 7:30 PM (GMT 0)
I think you might not be able to expect them to completely stop bleeding, but they can sure sooth the inflammation in the lower part of your colon, right away.
Posted 2/28/2009 11:15 PM (GMT 0)
Right now, I plan to use them to maintain remission. As the inflammation starts in the rectum, and oral meds don't always reach the rectum, I think it makes sense to use them as a maintenance drug. My doctor thinks that using them 2-3 times per week will help keep me in remmission.
Posted 3/1/2009 7:37 PM (GMT 0)
I haven't had to use Rowasa in a while but I definitely reach for my Canasas any time something doesn't feel right.  My GI actually told me to use them as needed - so I always have a stash at hand.  I see nothing wrong with continuing to use them a few times a week as maintenance.

Posted 3/3/2009 8:27 AM (GMT 0)
I use Rowasa every night. I am in remission and have discovered that if you do both oral medication and Rowasa you can save yourself from sneaky flares. Not too mention that if you can afford it, it should be a no brainer because it does not hurt your body in any way. Plus if you want to avoid the whole steroids debacle than you may want to just suck it up and turn it into a nightly ritual before bed. I have, and ever since have been free of symptoms and I can tell you that if you try this you will be successful from now on. Please try this. it has been a great help to me.
Posted 3/3/2009 3:48 PM (GMT 0)
My Dr and I use them three or four days a week as needed, Its best to Treat Both Ends!
Posted 3/3/2009 5:40 PM (GMT 0)
Thanks everyone. I don't know what I would do without this forum. Probably be in a mental hospital by now. :) I will be discussing stayin on the Rowasa with my GI tomorrow.
Posted 3/3/2009 10:24 PM (GMT 0)
Keep us posted regarding your appointment.
q
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