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question re increasing meds

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Ulcerative Colitis
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Posted 9/3/2009 2:56 AM (GMT 0)
Hi....looking for some advice from the forum. I am quitting smoking on Saturday and would like to proactive against the probable resulting flare if possible. I am currently taking Asacol (800mg twice per day) and would say I am close to being in remission at this point (not completely, but close). I am thinking it might be smart to increase my meds over the next couple of days....maybe to 3 per day?? I also have Salofalk suppositories that I don't current use (don't seem to need them) - do you think I should start using those now also at night or perhaps wait on those and only start them if I start to flare?

Any advice or input would be appreciated. Thanks. :)

Sandra
Posted 9/3/2009 7:02 AM (GMT 0)
I usually wait and see if I have symptoms. If I don't I keep things as they are. If you're worried you could try an increase, do you feel a flare coming on? Are you using rectal meds? if you have symptoms you could always try using suppositories.
Posted 9/3/2009 8:24 AM (GMT 0)
Hi...I would at least do 2400mg asacol..so that would be 3 daily. You could so 2 in the morning and one at night...plus use the suppositories nightly.

You ask a very good question and I truly commend you on your forsight.

I wouldn't wait till you have symptoms for good reason that many on here flare after quitting smoking.

If you do have some symptoms, you could up the suppositories to twice daily..night and morning...or ask the doc for a prescription for the retention enemas.

You'll have wiggle room to increase if necessary, but in truth, your dosage is fairly low.

Keep us posted as to how you're doing.

congratulations on quitting smoking.
quincy
Posted 9/3/2009 12:33 PM (GMT 0)
Thanks Heather. I agree that it's more probable than not that I will flare due to my quit - I have every time in the past that I attempted this. And trust me - there's no better motivator for a recovering addict going through withdrawal to give up a quit than knowing doing so will not only end the withdrawal but will likely help calm a flare!! It's the one good excuse out there that all new quitters are searching for...LOL.

That being said, I want to be as prepared as I can to deal with the fallout. Is there a reason you suggest taking 2 Asacol together in the morning and one at night rather than 1 - 3x per day (i.e. breakfast, lunch, dinner)? Just curious....

Thanks - Sandra
Posted 9/3/2009 6:02 PM (GMT 0)
Hi...the reason for not planning for taking them thrice a day is that one tends to forget the lunch one.
If you don't...then go for it, but you will ALWAYS have the option to take it with your supper if you do forget. Just don't skip it altogether.

I would also suggest you start on fibre supplements.

FYI...my friend quit smoking successfully by using Zyban. It's an antidepressant, but used in a specific tapering process. She was a hardcore smoker who did quit while pregnant, but went back soon after her kids were born.

Something to consider.

Keep us updated as to how you're doing.

quincy
Posted 9/8/2009 5:24 PM (GMT 0)
Well....it's day 4 here of my quit (cold turkey) and the flare has begun. :( Darn it anyway. I have upped my meds the past 4 days to 3x per day (instead of 2x per day as prescribed) but did not add the rectal meds. Looks like I should have. I just ate a lunch of steamed rice hoping it will help and will start the rectal meds tonight to hopefully nip this in the bud.....
Posted 9/8/2009 5:35 PM (GMT 0)
aww. That is terrible. I can't believe how quickly it came on. Goodluck quitting. Start using the rectal meds asap.
Posted 9/8/2009 6:01 PM (GMT 0)
Thank you.....and I will. :)
Posted 9/9/2009 1:53 AM (GMT 0)
Keep working at it.  I feel stopping smoking is the best thing you can do for yourself.  My husband is fighting lung cancer after smoking 54 years.  You don't want to go there!

ElaineNY

Posted 9/9/2009 2:02 AM (GMT 0)
Elaine, I am sorry to hear your husband is battling lung cancer. I truly wish him a good prognosis. I promise to keep working very hard at it.

Thanks for your note. :)
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