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Ulcerative Colitis
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Posted 1/31/2011 3:20 PM (GMT 0)
 

Hi Everyone,

 

I just came across this forum after doing some research on Canasa, that I've been prescribed after being diagnosed with UC/Proctitis 2 weeks ago.  I've had IBS-C for years and just recently had my 3rd colonoscopy at 31 years of age!  Yes...I know!  Anyway, I'm waiting very impatiently to get my biopsy results back from the procedure and will have a f/u with the GI next week.  My original question coming on here is that I seem to have missed my period after starting Canasa and have been even way more constipated on it, as well.  Any experience with that?  Also, any advice on this dx would be great!  I don't even know where to start!!!  Very shocked to have UC/Proctitis!

 

Thanks!

 

Posted 1/31/2011 4:25 PM (GMT 0)
Hi & welcome!

I am sorry to hear about your diagnosis. Some cases of UC are very mild and can be managed with Canasa, many of us are taking oral medication as well. I have never had any of the meds alter my cycle but I have seen people mention that, usually not from Canasa.
Posted 1/31/2011 4:40 PM (GMT 0)
Hi. I use Canasa and it works very well for me
Posted 1/31/2011 4:44 PM (GMT 0)
Thank you so much! I guess that's a question I'll have for the GI next week. I was supposed to start right around the time I had my colonoscopy and now, 2 weeks later, I don't have it. My husband had a vasectomy 4 years ago and I think I'm too early for menopause. My Canasa will be done on Wednesday. I'll see if I get it when this script is completed.
Posted 1/31/2011 5:10 PM (GMT 0)
How old are you? Could be stress that has caused you to miss your period. It has been years since I took Canasa but I don't recall it causing constipation. If anything I would think it might loosen things up. The rowasa (mesalamine) enemas will loosen things up; maybe that would be a better option. Though if your UP is confined to the very lowest part of your rectum the rowasa may not be necessary.
Posted 1/31/2011 5:35 PM (GMT 0)
Hi and welcome!
My periods were always irregular, but that had been the case since I first started them, long before my UC days.
I've always found Canasa to be a helpful medication; sorry if it isn't seeming to help you. But I've never had C - I only remember being constipated once, and that was on my honeymoon almost 30 years ago! lol (Must have been the result of odd eating patterns on our vacation.)

Have you tried psyllium fiber..... as in Metamucil? My son's GI also recommends Benefiber.... I use it to bulk up the looser stools, but it also prevents C, so I take it as part of my daily diet.
Posted 1/31/2011 10:24 PM (GMT 0)
Thanks beeswax and songlady! I'm 31 years old, so you're right...it could be stress. Before I had kids, I always had very irregular periods, now they're almost like clockwork, only like 32 days, not 28 or the "normal".

Regarding the constipation, I've barely had the "urge" to go, but when I do, it does seem to be much softer, however, the bleeding is still very present. I also now have to be extra careful when passing gas, as it's now making me leak at times. Very embarassing!

I'm considering taking laxatives, but am very nervous about them due to being on Canasa. I'll have to try the psyllium fiber. Haven't tried it, but have tried incorporating more fiber into my daily diet, however.


Thanks again!
Posted 1/31/2011 10:54 PM (GMT 0)
I would try the mesalamine enemas if you can. Yes, 31 seems to early for menopause. I was 46 when I went through it which seems a bit young but I guess is not out of the norm. It is amazing how much stress can affect your body rhythms. I was first diagnosed with UP about a year after I quit smoking.
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