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Ulcerative Colitis
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Posted 2/27/2010 1:54 AM (GMT 0)
Hey everyone, I've been lurking here off & on but up until the last 3 weeks or so, had been in blissful remission. :) Strangely enough, I started flaring when I went back on Weight Watchers and started eating better - more fiber, more salads/veggies/fruit, less junk. What a kick in the pants, huh?

I had been down to 4-6 generic Colazal daily, but now back up to 9 a day and am starting the Rowasa enemas tonight. I have read through some of the history posts about the enemas, but how on earth does one retain the suspension for 8 hours? I'm afraid I'm going to go to sleep and make a huge mess of my bed. cry Any advice from the seasoned veterans?
Posted 2/27/2010 3:00 AM (GMT 0)
The enemas are a much smaller quantity than say a fleet enema would be. So, it's a tiny bottle. Also the solutions themselves while liquid aren't made to be as irritating. It might take a little practice, but it's not too bad for most people. You can always use part of the bottle etc. Be sure to lay on your left side for at least 30 minutes after!
Posted 2/27/2010 5:48 AM (GMT 0)
Don't fret ... Rowasa is great and once things quiet down you can just use them as a maint or as needed
Posted 2/27/2010 6:03 AM (GMT 0)
I was also nervous about using Rowasa enemas - so much so that they sat in my room for over a month unused. That's when I joined this forum and asked for feedback. FruitGirl gave me great advice - make sure to get any extra air out of the bottle before using. And hold the bottle under warm water so the solution is warm. I never use the full bottle (probably about 75%) but I'm still getting results.

I was very nervous about retaining the enema for 8 hours but it's easy - you'll be fine. What I hadn't realized is the liquid is very thick, and it's a small quantity. I've been using it for 3 weeks now and haven't had a single leakage issue. Best of luck, and I hope you feel better very soon!
Posted 2/27/2010 7:00 AM (GMT 0)
It wasn't the Weight Watchers that caused your flare, so please let yourself off the hook about that. We all flare...some more than others...it's just there always seems to be an easy convenient "reason" why.

Your flare was probably on its way with mild inflammation happening without you even knowing it. Most of us don't realise symptoms until they're more obvious.

It's good you're on the enemas. Hope the first night goes well for you.

The only problem I can see you having is the possible urge to expel it afterward. Squeeze those cheeks, breathe or pant or grunt or whatever you can because it will pass within the minute.

I've only expelled 3 enemas in 21 years (later in the night when I had to have a pee but held it in for at least a few hours).

Hold it in the longest you can and hopefully it'll be at least an hour.

Make them your new best friend!
Keep us updated as to how it goes.
quincy
Posted 2/27/2010 4:21 PM (GMT 0)
My experience with the enemas and foam is that if you go to sleep - after say about an hour - you WILL wake up if you have to go!  At least that happened to me.  Someone suggested trying about 1/2 or so at first.  That is what I did - never used over about 75% and it stayed in all night.  Unfortunately, I could not tolerate Rowasa and the steroid enemas made me so sore inside and out.  I can use the Cortifoam so I do about twice a week at most.

I would like to comment on the WW diet causing your flare.  I agree - the diet does not CAUSE the flare - nothing you eat does (in my opinion) BUT I also cannot eat "healthy" even in remission.  BUT - I have IBS - so too much fiber, etc. causes me problems as does spicy food.  I get diarrhea really not related to UC.  Since being in remission for about 3 months I have been trying a LITTLE more fiber and one time ate one piece of whole wheat bread and had D.  Another day I had 2 small pieces of dried pineapple - yup, D.  I am not on day 3 of Metamucil capsules - one a day. My diet is still bland, white and not really healthy!  I was having some problems with hard stools - not constipation but uncomfortable.  So far, so good, no gas, no D and normal 2 BM's last three days.  It is so good to not see blood or mucous.  Just wish I did not have to take the prednisone for 5 months to get here.  I would do it again even though I hate the side effect.  I still have shoulder and muscle pain but it is improving! 

ElaineNY

Posted 3/3/2010 12:54 AM (GMT 0)
Thanks everyone! :) I am on day 4 or 5 of the enemas, so far I haven't noticed significant improvement but I am still hopeful I can improve without going back on steroids.
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