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Posted 8/19/2010 11:02 AM (GMT 0)
i have been lurking in the forums since my latest severe flare and decided to share my story .diagnosed with uc in 2000-usually have one flare a year and normal theatnent is the low dose packets of prednisolone 4 mg.the last two years it has taken two series to get in remission.early july started flaring again-the small doses did not work so i was prescribed prednisone 60 mg 4 days ,40 4 days etc  along with meslamine supportives now down  to5 mg daily-this high dose did not work at all. yesterday i had complete blood work and was normal-i am awaiting stool sample results almost hope they find SOMETHING there so i can be treated.i have all the classic symptons of uc but have never passed blood.during the last flare i have noticed inflamation at the anal opening. my maintenance drug is balsalazide 750mg 6 daily.thank you for listening to my rambling story- i am depressed the pred did not work and tired of being a zombie on pain killirs.
Posted 8/19/2010 2:27 PM (GMT 0)
Welcome to the forum!

One of the frustrating facts about this disease is that it often changes, and doesn't always respond the same way to the meds. I'm sorry you're going through that.
Have you ever tried the rectal meds, either the 5-ASA or steroid enemas? A lot of us here find those to be helpful - putting the medicine directly on the inflammation.
I have found that soluble fiber (Metamucil, Benefiber, etc) helps clump my poops and makes the stools easier to pass, and that might be helpful for your rectal inflammation....
I encourage you to keep reading the boards here - we all seem to respond differently to the various things.
Hang in there - you're in company who understands!
Posted 8/19/2010 11:07 PM (GMT 0)

songlady-thanks for your response.just received results and the stool sample was normal- the doc is starting me on sulfasalzine instead of balsalazide- dont think i have used it before. the blood tests revealed a urinary trac infection and prescribed nitrofurantion-has anyone ever found that urinary infection can trigger a flare?? i am using the masalamine suppository as well.during flares i use metamucil and ensure and lot bannanas.thanks again.                         

Posted 8/20/2010 12:33 AM (GMT 0)
Good your stool sample was free of bugaboos..lol!


Welcome to the forum.

Urinary tract infections wouldn't cause a flare unless it's raging out of control. I'd suspect you were flaring already. But, a flare could encourage a UTI depending on how often one has bms and how careful with wiping. OR...just the mere fact of spasming can trigger some inflammation in the urethra or bladder, possibly causing an infection.

Were you on the suppositories already or did you just start them today? I wish the doc gave you the mesalamine retention enemas instead, but if you don't improve within a week, you should request them.

I suggest you get on a very good probiotic while on the antibiotics and continue them pretty much forever.

I would also suggest you eat actual food rather than lots of bananas and ensure. You do need protein.

Fibre supplements are helpful for many of us as well

Keep us updated.

q
Posted 8/20/2010 10:05 AM (GMT 0)
hey quincy-tks for your suggestions.i have been using the suppositories steadly for about one week-i use the va as my provider  and they dont carry the enemas.i do try to eat regular food,mostly soups and some chicken-sometimes just looking or smelling food gives me lower left pain.i did buy a probiotic but havent been using yet.i am very tired and weak-i assume its from the weight loss 0f 30# in about 7 weeks.soon to be 65 ,i concider nyself healthy but during this flare i feel about 90. thanks again for sharing.

Posted 8/20/2010 1:53 PM (GMT 0)
The VA should provide you with Rowasa enemas. It is a fairly standard RX. I would follow-up on this with your GI doctor there.
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