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Full Remission from Asacol?

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Posted 3/29/2009 11:19 PM (GMT 0)
Hello,
First time to the forum. I'm currently experiencing my third flare-up, and this time i've tried to do my best to stay out in front of it. I have some blood, and I'm alternating between very thin stool and Diarrhea, with pretty mild symptoms so far. I'm really hoping I can get into remission without having to go on prednisone again. Has anyone else been successful with just Asacol and if so, how long should I wait on remission before going back to the doctor for prednisone?

Thanks,
Posted 3/29/2009 11:27 PM (GMT 0)
Asacol is the only medication that I take and it has ended my flare-up three weeks in... it's a great way to get into remission and most likely stay in it for years if not decades to come!
If you keep your diet great, get your rest, and calm down your stress levels then all you need is Asacol to stay healthy!!!

I am quite mixed in origin (mostly eastern European/middle eastern) but those who do have it in my families do not even use meds in the first place [it's quite a stupid method I reckon] but it emphasizes the fact that medicine isn't the only thing that can make you as healthy as a horse.

Give it time, take the weaker meds. at first and work your way up - not the other way around!
best of luck mate
Posted 3/30/2009 1:29 AM (GMT 0)
I would team the asacol up with some rectal meds to get it under control. I did asacol for almost a year and was in a flare the whole time, before giving up on it. Glad it works for some.
Posted 3/30/2009 1:42 AM (GMT 0)

Dr-A said...
I would team the asacol up with some rectal meds to get it under control. I did asacol for almost a year and was in a flare the whole time, before giving up on it. Glad it works for some.

What rectal meds would you recommend? Preperation H Hydrocortisone suppositories?
Posted 3/30/2009 1:43 AM (GMT 0)
Thanks Scorpian, I'll be more patient, then!
Posted 3/30/2009 2:12 AM (GMT 0)
I use Asacol and Canasa and I've been doing pretty well. Not sure if it would be considered remission, I still have D more often than I would like.
Posted 3/30/2009 4:56 AM (GMT 0)
You could try adding a rectal med, like Rowasa enemas along with your Asacol. That has worked for me pretty well. Hope you feel better soon.
Posted 3/30/2009 11:21 AM (GMT 0)
You may want to try the rowasa first. They usually just make me bleed more for some reason though, but they work good for some people. I would use the hydrocortisone enemas if I didn't see any improvement within a couple days.
Posted 3/30/2009 11:24 AM (GMT 0)
When I was first diagnosed, I went into remission with just Asacol. (Oh, those were the days!) I agree--definitely try Rowasa or at least Canasa for a few weeks and see if it helps.
Posted 3/30/2009 5:57 PM (GMT 0)

supersaw said...
 so I was told asacol works in place of enemas....it keeps my bowels obedient mostly however for some reason ever since Saturday I've had very high amount of urgent episodes, and so far today there's plenty of blood mixed back in also....haven't seen this in a while.

You're flaring...and it's absolutely not true that the asacol pills takes the place of enemas.  The symptoms you're having are rectal...and it would be good for you to possibly commit to the enemas to see how they could work for you.    It takes me 10 seconds to insert the med and to lay on my left side isn't a big deal.

But, if you're adverse to taking them....definitely ask the doctor for suppositories....you can use them up to 3 times a day.

Of course....it's all your decision, but possibly to your own detriment of suffering.

quincy

Posted 3/30/2009 6:00 PM (GMT 0)
Omans...welcome to the forum!

I would definitely suggest you request rectal meds from your doc....the 5-ASA Rowasa if you're in the US would be the first choice since you're already on an oral 5-ASA. It takes a bit longer to see the results, but it could serve you well in the future to treat flares earlier.

They should be tapered to a maintenance dosage...and if you're interested in doing them, I can suggest how to do the tapering then,.


I hope you feel better soon.

quincy
Posted 3/30/2009 8:38 PM (GMT 0)
I've been taking Asacol for years and it has never single-handely managed to get me out of a flare. If you are having flare-like symptoms, I wouldn't wait on things. I'd call the doctor now before things get worse. I've made that mistake more than once.
Posted 3/30/2009 8:44 PM (GMT 0)

I agree with Fargman, I've been on Asacol since being diagnosed and it's a great maintenance drug but it has never gotten me out of a flare.  My personal rule is that I let it go until I see blood and then I call and get a script for prednisone.  I'm also in remission between full blown flares, so the same might not be true for others. 

Posted 3/30/2009 8:45 PM (GMT 0)
I have gone into remission once using asacol......that was my first flare and since then it has not worked to put me into remission. I have had to add meselamine enemas and steroids. I am on a maintain dose however.
Posted 3/30/2009 10:55 PM (GMT 0)
I guess I'm just super-flexible or something, because I don't find that using an enema really requires any special wrist or arm movement.

::shrug::

Some GIs seem to forget about the rectal meds...
Posted 3/30/2009 11:34 PM (GMT 0)
There really is no wrist or arm movement to get them in. Not sure how in the world you are trying to use them but if you can bend a right knee you can use one. Anything treating the area directly is better than taking the scenic route.
Posted 3/31/2009 3:59 AM (GMT 0)
supersaw....oh pulllleeeezzzz...you have 209 posts and we talk about the various options for rectal meds. your doctor probably didn't suggest them because of who who knows why.   Maybe he's noticed your complaint to using the enemas and didn't even go there with the suppositories?

Will rectal meds keep you from flaring? no. Will they help treat a flare? yes for many. Is it worth trying them? yes.

REgarding using the enemas...maybe use your left hand with your butt in the air?

Maybe use a wrist support or something wrapped around your wrist to help give you extra strength to do them.
Now ,the generic 5ASA enemas (I've read from other members)...are difficult to squeeze..but if you're having trouble squeezing the Rowasa.you could try putting the bottle in some warm water for a minute or so before administering it.

As far as suppositories...all you need is a finger, and if you can type, you can insert one.

q

Posted 3/31/2009 4:58 AM (GMT 0)
Ah.....so what moonface? are you on pred?

Clearly the rectal meds aren't an option for you because of the extreme pain/inflammation in all your joints. I didn't understand the extent of your situation. Maybe you could create a signature so that we're clear on what's going on regarding meds/extra-intestinal stuff..etc?

Maybe Remicade? or are you on it already?

Hopefully you'll get some reprieve...

q
Posted 3/31/2009 3:12 PM (GMT 0)
Maybe it's time to do some reasearch on your own if you don't know what Remicade is. I was diagnosed in late January and I know what it is, and not because my GI told me. IMO, it's my responsibility to learn as much as I can about UC so I can make better decisions regarding my treatment and my health.
Posted 3/31/2009 4:00 PM (GMT 0)
My GI did go to school for a reason, but I still think it's important to be informed about a disease that I have. Docs don't always stay up on what's new in terms of treatment...some of them get complacent in their job and just treat patients like they always have in the past. If I am aware of the new treatment options, then at least I'll know if my doc is up on them as well. If he's not, then I'd find a new doc. I do listen to what he says, as he is the one with a medical degree, but I still think it's my responsibility to know as much as I can. My doctor knows that I've done a ton of research, and is really pleased that I've done so and can talk intelligently with him about my treatment options. Also, the more I know now (and learn while I'm healthy and able to think clearly), the easier it will be to make tough decisions (like whether or not to have surgery, etc) if I have to in the future.
Posted 3/31/2009 5:55 PM (GMT 0)
not worth even responding to supersaw....oops..I responded, sigh..
Posted 4/1/2009 11:49 AM (GMT 0)
Hi Supesaw,
I know how you feel - I also have alot of joint/muscle pain with a flare - you should try to get the rowasa in how ever you can - I just finished a 3 week round and am now in remission for about 10 days. I have no more joint pain! Feel like a different person!
I also take Asacol 9 pills a day
Posted 4/2/2009 12:40 AM (GMT 0)
Thanks to all who responded for their help. Asacol 12x a day seemed like it was able to hold the remission in place and even help a little, but after a week, I decided on go on prednisone. I started yesterday and the bleeding has stopped. Now I just have to figure out how to take prednisone and not be a complete jerk to everyone around me. Also going to have my GI write me a prescription of the Rowasa for next time.
Thanks!
Posted 4/2/2009 1:03 AM (GMT 0)
the canasa suppositories did wonders with the asacol for me. And no my GI wasnt the one that sugested it I had to ask him for it after Quincy told me about it. And they are real easy to put in and to keep in. worth a try.
Posted 4/6/2009 1:30 AM (GMT 0)
Supersaw;
I have had some serious flair-ups, not quite the joint pain that you describe. I'm on a monthly dose of a relatively new drug, CIMZIA. It's use was for Crohns patients, and has just recently been approved for UC. May ask your GI Doc about CIMZIA.
Take care -
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