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anybody like to take breaks from rowasa

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Ulcerative Colitis
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Posted 3/22/2009 1:11 PM (GMT 0)
I'm supposed to use it every night but some nights I'm just too tired. I know its better to do every single day like my doctor told me but sometimes I feel like I just need a night off. How do other rowasa users feel?
Posted 3/22/2009 5:00 PM (GMT 0)
I can relate. I'm in a very mild flare now and have been on nightly for 3 weeks...I still have nausea and slight urgency in the morning..but not frequency.

I wanted to skip a night, but decided not to considering since Christmas I tapered very quickly twice and now am back to square one. It add insult to injury, my brain is only focussed on the now hemorrhoid that's reared..lol!

Skip a night here and there...but one night might be two, might be three..etc.

It only takes a seconds to do the enema....worth it methinks.

Keep us posted as to how you're doing.
quincy
Posted 3/22/2009 6:16 PM (GMT 0)
I didnt ever have to take that but i think its SO much better to do it and be safe than sorry. I always hated taking 11 pills a day but hey..if a 17 yr old can do it..so can you =)
Posted 3/22/2009 7:06 PM (GMT 0)
I had a script for Rowasa a couple years ago...never used it. Just wanted to avoid enema as long as possible. I was w/out insurance for a couple years so I couldn't get a new script to try it. I may have a mild flare 2 times a year, mostly have been in remission for a couple years. I have insurance again and am tired of rear pain etc. and want to try Rowasa ...I guess...
Posted 3/23/2009 2:53 AM (GMT 0)
I have found that rectal meds, when used faithfully, put me into a gorgeous remission. I function like I did pre-colitis; no gas, bloating, fatigue, blood, mucous, nothing. And yet...I detest using my rowasa. I bounce back & forth between using my medicine and not, and my flare symptoms follow along like a dog on a leash. So, PMIrony, I understand completely about not always using your enema! And not to delve too closely into personal territory, but an enema at bedtime somehow doesn't set a romantic mood with your spouse, either. :)

I talked about this with my GI at my last appointment--that even though I knew Rowasa was effective, I despised using it. He prescribed canasa, the suppository version of mesalamine. I find that it is SO much easier to use, because unlike the enema, I can insert it any time, because I don't have to lie still for 30-60 minutes after using it. I have always found the enema uncomfortable for the first 20 minutes, but I don't notice the suppository after it's been inserted.

Like a lot of of UC sufferers, my worst time of day is mornings, but after lunch my symptoms seem to go well. I bring my suppository to work and use it there-not something that I could do with the rowasa.

Depending on your symptoms, the supp's might be a good solution for you. They're working well for me!
Posted 3/23/2009 5:32 PM (GMT 0)
It's not the most convenient type of med, that's for sure-- and suppositories ooze out after a while, yuck. Another galling thing is that we in N. America still can't get the mesalamine rectal foam that became available in the UK, Europe, & Australia a few yrs ago. Julee70 bought herself a supply while traveling abroad in the fall & reported in a post here that it definitely WORKS. So annoying that we STILL cannot get the Rx filled near home!!!!!!!!!!! PMIrony, you are not alone in your frustration with the bedtime nuisance. / Old Hat (30 yrs with left-sided UC; presently have moderate flare in sigmoid colon)
Posted 3/23/2009 6:14 PM (GMT 0)
I guess I'm just weird, because I don't really mind using rowasa. However, it causes absolutely NO discomfort, pain, weird feeling, anything for me. I'd use them every day for the rest of my life, no complaints, if I knew they'd keep me in solid remission!
Posted 3/23/2009 8:15 PM (GMT 0)
When I was really flaring - no matter how not in the mood I was I never missed a night cuz I just wanted to get better.  Once I started feeling better - even before I was ready to taper - every once in a blue moon I would skip a night - or just use a suppository instead.  Not the best thing to do - but I totally understand how you are feeling. :)

Posted 3/23/2009 8:49 PM (GMT 0)
Thank you everyone. I feel like this has been one of the most useful discussions I have posted in my time at HW and I appreciate all your responses. I took a few days off just because sometimes I feel too tired to deal with it all - even though its kinda simple. I'm back in the routine now, but its nice to hear others with the same frustrations. Be well all!
Posted 3/24/2009 8:01 AM (GMT 0)
We all take breaks, and good to hear you're back on the Rowasa. Be rebellious for a night...but not a few in a row. Not worth it, really.

The idea of using the suppositories instead on occasion is a good one....if one doesn't mind using them.

Keep us posted as to how you're doing.

quincy
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