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Continue mesalamine rectal enemas??

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Ulcerative Colitis
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Posted 12/30/2010 3:23 AM (GMT 0)
Things turned out worse after seeing my GP today about my chest infection. I was so afraid to get the Z-Pack started because I know how hard antibiotics are on my gut. Turns out I have pneumonia so she prescribed me an even stronger antibiotic. I don't know what it's called - I can't read her writing and I haven't picked it up. I know that this antibiotic will give me Diarrhea for sure which I'm just gonna have to live with for 10 days.

If I do have major diarrhea, should I still continue taking the mesalamine enemas?
I know that many of you double up on your probiotics when going on a course of antibiotics. Do you take them all at one time? and When?
I appreciate any other tips you might have to avoid a full blown flare. I'm really scared of these coming days =(


40-year-old, female
Dx'd in Apr '10 with severe ulcerative colitis that affected the whole colon (this is exactly how my GI doctor said it)
Previous meds: Flagyl, Prednisone 40 mg from Apr-July '10
Current meds: Asacol 400 mg x 10; Mesalamine rectal enemas (nightly for 3 weeks)
Supplements: Rainbow Lite multivitamin, Calcium with D3, Vitamin C 500 mg
Probiotics: Solaray with 12 strains 30 billion
Posted 12/30/2010 4:50 AM (GMT 0)
I am sorry yyou're not feeling well. I don't know what to say about the antibiotics. I was on some a few months back and it didn't seem to effect my UC too much, I was already a bit flared up at the time but I did not get worse. I didn't double the probiotics and I ended up getting a yeast infecion after the antibiotics and I had to take diflucan to calm that situation. I don't take probiotics right now but I believe it's best to take them on an empty stomach. many people take them before bed. I think splitting the dose could be effective. I would continue with enemas as long as you can retain them. You may want to check with your doctor about the enemas.
Posted 12/30/2010 4:59 AM (GMT 0)
Thanks notsosicklygirl. I just picked up the prescription and it's called Levaquin 500 mg. The good thing is it's only 1 pill a day. Wonder if anyone here has taken these. It's difficult to reach doctors during the holidays. This is the suckiest time to get sick too.
Posted 12/30/2010 5:00 AM (GMT 0)
My signature is outdated. The very top one is cuurent.
Posted 12/30/2010 7:34 AM (GMT 0)
Do as you suggested....stay on the enemas for sure! Double the probiotics.
Take the meds.

How long is the 'script for ?

hope you feel better soon.

If it's any consolation...I'd take the meds for chest infection over a flare any day. You have to take all the med and make sure your pneumonia is gone...for you don't want to set yourself up with a superbug.

Keep us posted.

Oh, you might want to add a fibre supplement if you're not taking any...

q
Posted 12/30/2010 5:59 PM (GMT 0)
Thanks Quincy. I will keep doing the enemas even when I get the runs. And double up on probiotics taken around 10:30 before bedtime. All I can do is hope for the best and try to be positive the next 10 days.

I will definitely keep you posted. Thank you for your input. Hope that in a couple weeks, my update is a happy one. Keeping my fingers crossed.
Posted 12/30/2010 7:40 PM (GMT 0)
Did the doc do any testing specifically from sputum to find out what bacteria exactly? or is your pneumonia secondary to your cold? Hope you improve quickly.

q
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