Newly Diagnosed - Have Questions

Hi,

I was just diagnosed with ulcerative proctosigmoiditis.  I didn't have much in the way of symptoms until after the colonoscopy.  I was wondering if anyone has a GI in the Chicago area that they would recommend for UC.  Also, I got a prescription for Asacol, but have trouble swallowing pills so not sure what to do.  Any suggestions?

Thanks.  And by the way, my name comes from the fact that my daughter has Crohn's.  Now I guess I know where it comes from.

Debbie

Hi BH and everyone,

Any suggestions on how to learn to swallow pills?  I know I need to learn how to do it and was looking for suggestions on how to accomplish that.

Thanks.

Debbie

Hi Debbie....How's that for a slap on the butt? totally sucks you now have to deal with UC as well as your daughter's CD...who else in your family has IBD?

You can try to put the pills as far back into your mouth and then with a big gulp of water (not a sip), tilt your head back a bit and swallow at the same time...that might help.

I take all my pills at the same time...with a glass of water. Pills first, gulp water a few times with swallowing about a third of them each time. The bigger the amount of water I swallow, the easier it is to swallow the pills. Small sips don't work for me.

You'll have to get used to swallowing pills, unfortunately.

Oh, and it just wouldn't be me to not say....you NEED to be on rectal meds such as a mesalamine retention enema.

quincy

HI Pam,

Thanks for the suggestion. I tried a little bit of water and the pill didn't go any where.

Debbie

Hi Chcl,

Thanks for the suggestion. I'll have to try that.

Debbie

Heidi,

Thank you for your response.  I think you hit the nail on the head.  I thnk I panic and am afraid to swallow a pill.  I am going to try your method.  That is really impressive how many pills you can now get down.

Debbie

Hi Debbie -
Welcome to the forum! What a bugger - I'm sorry for your diagnosis. And to have to deal with CD with your daughter. Sigh. I have a kid with UC.... but I was diagnosed long before he was born. And my aunt had CD.
I hope you conquer the pill thing. My biggest pills are my calcium pills, and I only have trouble with them if I think about what I'm doing! Otherwise, right, as Heidi said, we routinely swallow more stuff at a given time.
I remember reading somewhere when my kids were small, to have them practice with M and Ms.... I don't know if you'd want to do that, but... there's a thought.
I think: back on the tongue, and BIG gulp of water, and sort of blanking out your mind.... let us know how it goes, OK?
I have found this community wonderfully supportive and with good folks who ask good questions and think for themselves! So, again, welcome!

Hi, Sorry about the diagnosis...as if you didn't have enough on your plate already. Anyway, I pretend like I just ran a marathon and am soo thirsty and I quickly drink the water and the pill follows. On a separate note, I agree w/ Quincy....your inflammation is low and I def. think you need to be using a rectal med. I also have proctosigmoiditis and the oral pill alone didn't cut it. Rectal med helps much more. Good luck!

The trick to swallowing pills is not to think about swallowing pills...and lots of water. I can down my whole dose of lialda (4.8 grams of meds) in one gulp as long as I'm sufficiently watered.

Can I just say that I love the idea of self talk while taking the pills. I usually gulp it down fine, but feel bitter and annoyed about having to take it. I am going to smile tomorrow when taking it and say this is good for me lol:)

Hi Elaine, Six pills at once is really impressive.  You sure can swallow pills now. Thanks for the advice. I will keep it in mind when i try to swallow all the Debbie

Hi HateUC,

Thank you for your sympathy and good wishes.  I will keep your advice in mind when I try swallowing the pills. 

Debbie

Hi Malkavian,
That is impressive that you can take the whole thing at one time. Thanks for you advice which I will remember.
Debbie