HealingWell
Search Close Search
☰

thinking of taking night off from enema

Support Forums
>
Ulcerative Colitis
✚ New Topic ✚ Reply
❬ ❬ Previous Thread |Next Thread ❭ ❭
Posted 3/14/2011 11:40 PM (GMT 0)
I've used the mesalamine enemas for four nights now and they seem to be what have finally got me to have some solid bms. I've only been able to retain them until about 4am and then I've had to go to the bathroom several times over the next few hours. I still went to the bathroom six more times today, most with some solid bm. I am really really tired and I was thinking of just doing the canasa suppository tonight with the hope that I'll sleep better. Also, I wonder if I am using too much mesalamine. I am getting it in the Lialda, the canasa (which I used this morning) and the enema. I have been feeling a bit light headed and dizzy today and I wonder if its from all the mesalamine.

Will I regret taking a night off from the enema?

Posted 3/14/2011 11:54 PM (GMT 0)
I wouldn't stop now, you've just taken them for 4 nights, each time a little better... keep it up! in my opinion skipping it would be like taking a step back.

as for the light-headedness, try drinking lots of water and i'm sure once you are able to sleep more you will feel much better (didn't you also mention taking something to help you sleep?) maybe that is what is causing the light-headedness?

I take 4800 mg of Oral and 4g (4000mg) Enemas. Many here take large amounts of mesalamine. I'm not saying it might not be what is affecting you just saying not to worry that it is too much.
Posted 3/15/2011 2:01 AM (GMT 0)
I am also doing 4.8 gm Lialda and 4 gm enemas. I wouldn't worry too much....there are way worse meds you could be dealing with! If you really feel like you need a break and want to swap out the Canasa for one night, then go for it. It might cause a tiny set back, but if that break once a week or so lets you keep compliant the rest of time, then it's worth it. Sometimes people give up on them all together because they get tired of doing it every day.
Posted 3/15/2011 6:39 AM (GMT 0)
I would suggest that you not discontinue them.

How much Lialda are you taking?

The light-headedness could be from the flare itself and the constant bms. Are you eating OK?
Drinking enough fluids?

It is possible that the mesalamine could cause you some symptoms...but I would think it could also be from something else. If you don't use the enema tomorrow..use the Canasa instead. It's better than nothing.

q
Posted 3/15/2011 6:40 PM (GMT 0)
I did skip the enema last night- hubby was already in bed and I just really wanted a good night sleep. I did do the Canasa supp at bedtime and slept pretty good til 4am, up a couple of times to use the bathroom between 4 and 5 then slept well til it was time to get my son to school at 6:30. Best rest I have had in a while. Then after both kids off to school at 8:30, I decided to do half a dose of the mesalamine enema and go back to sleep. I slept great for two hours! I figured two hours of retention is better than nothing.

I feel better today than I have in a while. My appetite is coming back. Way fewer bathroom trips. Still have inflammation right at the very end along with a couple of good hemmerrhoids. Hubby is out of town so I'll get back to the enema tonight although I might stick with half dose so I can be more comfortable with it.

 

Posted 3/15/2011 6:45 PM (GMT 0)
Sounds good...but as soon as you're able to retain with much less problem, use the entire dosage.

You can also concentrate much of the med closer to the lower rectum/anus by backing up the nozzle a bit to that area while administering the med. Careful not too close outward or it'll squirt out.

q
✚ New Topic ✚ Reply