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Ulcerative Colitis
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Posted 1/13/2011 10:27 PM (GMT 0)
Just curious, when people are talking about another flare how long does their flare usually last? Mine (proctitis) hit mid November, i have been on mesalamine enemas for almost 3 weeks and just when it seems to get better (little to no blood) it seems to go down hill again for a couple of days. Is this normal to have to take meselamine for more than the first perscribed two week supply? I just cant stand this stressful condition and i wish everyone much luck with the problems their having!
Posted 1/13/2011 10:53 PM (GMT 0)
My main flares lasted anywhere from three to six months. Since then I've gotten mini flares. They last from one day to a couple of weeks and are limited to the rectum. I haven't gotten them for awhile now.

Everyone is different though. Some people will always show symptoms.
Posted 1/13/2011 11:17 PM (GMT 0)
Many of us use mesalamine enemas or suppositories ongoing as maintenence medication. In my opinion, it's better to use sometihng topical than it is to have to take oral pills all the time. You should see about getting your GI to write you a prescription for the whole year or at least 3 months.
Posted 1/13/2011 11:26 PM (GMT 0)
that actually brings up my next question, what is the diff between major flares and mini? i have mucus and blood acompanied with bouts of feeling full "sensation of having to go". that has been going on like i said since mid November, would one consider this major or mini? i was diagnosed in mid December, i am new at all this so i have a few qustions. Thanks

Post Edited (JSMS) : 1/13/2011 4:31:57 PM (GMT-7)

Posted 1/13/2011 11:30 PM (GMT 0)
Mini.

Major means many, many (I was at 15-20+ times a day, and I've heard of worse) episodes of urgent (for many, very bloody) diarrhea a day, and the whole host of things that come along with that. My flare started 4 weeks after childbirth, and by the time I was 3.5 months post partum, I was about 25 lbs below pre-pregnancy weight.

Are you still using the enemas nightly?
Posted 1/13/2011 11:34 PM (GMT 0)
I think my flares last around 3 months average. It seems to me that the rectum, in particular, takes a long, long time to heal. And usually it's the last to heal.
If I were you I'd stay on the Rowasa a few more weeks, then maybe taper down by using a Canasa suppositoy on alternate nights....?
Posted 1/13/2011 11:36 PM (GMT 0)
Yes i am, the thing that gets me is that my doctor made it sound like i have a minor case of proctitis and that it should clear up in the 2 week supply (had to already get 2 more weeks) of mesalamine. not so sure he is right about that after reading topics on this forum, sounds like this might be a long battle possibly.

Post Edited (JSMS) : 1/13/2011 4:39:54 PM (GMT-7)

Posted 1/13/2011 11:45 PM (GMT 0)
I've been flaring for over 3 years :(
Posted 1/13/2011 11:46 PM (GMT 0)
I had mild proctitis that was flaring for over a year. It just wouldn't heal and I had no insurance. Eventually it got worse and I had to get help because I was going to the bathroom 20x a day and I was in pain. That's when I started taking oral Asacol.
Posted 1/13/2011 11:53 PM (GMT 0)
Don't think that you'll have a struggle b/c of reading stories on here. The great majority of people on this board are here b/c they need support in managing hard-to-treat UC. The people who are successfully treating it aren't on here.

The rectum can be VERY stubborn to treat, so don't get discouraged. AND, when you do get in remission, keep using the medication. Not every night, but I think you'd at least want to use it twice weekly. Going off completely is a good way to have it spread quickly.
Posted 1/13/2011 11:57 PM (GMT 0)
Thank you all very much for the responses, i just want to get as much info a possible.
Posted 1/14/2011 12:18 AM (GMT 0)
I usually feel like I am dying for about a month and then get the upper hand alone, with the doctors approving my med changes or in the hospital.

My last flare was horrendous and thankfully I was on the mend a couple weeks before I wound up in the hospital for stroke and put on blood thinners, that is why the doctor moved me to ICU, UC + blood thinners is really dangerous. I just made an appointment with my GP to see if I can get him to agree with the Neurologist and myself that this blood thinner needs to stop now that the stroke is resolved, I mean it is simply a matter of time before the blood thinner does me in. At this point I think the GI, Neurologist and I are in one camp and the GP is over there in his own 'conservative' camp wanting 6 months of blood thinner.

I see no upside to remaining on this 'dangerous' drug for another 3 months it surely will result in a flare as I cannot keep consuming vicodin ( which works ) because it impacts my memory the next day.

If I ever wind up in an unbeatable flare I will get some vikes by any means necessary as they work quickly for me.
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