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Ulcerative Colitis
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Posted 2/9/2012 2:09 AM (GMT 0)
So I've been on 2g 5-ASA nightly enemas for just over 3.5 weeks now, and there's still a small amount of blood present. There's no denying that the enemas are helping, since my symptoms are a lot less worse than they were before I started the rectal meds (especially the bleeding and mucus), but I'm still not out of the woods as I hoped I'd be.

I'd like to continue with the enemas for AT LEAST 4 more weeks before giving up on them, but the only issue is the cost. My insurance covers 4g enemas but not 2g ones, and I tried calling my GI to see if he could give me a prescription for the 4g ones, and he just refused telling me to come in and see him instead. He mentioned prednisone during my last appointment, and I'm hoping that he isn't going to force me to go on pred instead of just giving me what I asked for. Can GIs do that? Also do you guys think my bleeding should have completely stopped by now or am I being impatient again? Everyone around me just keeps telling me that my bleeding should have stopped within 3.5 weeks, and it's really making me nervous.

Post Edited (Max89) : 2/8/2012 7:45:30 PM (GMT-7)

Posted 2/9/2012 3:13 AM (GMT 0)
Oh for goodness sakes. I don't know why he would have prescribed 2g to begin with. Is it possible to get another GI? Or perhaps your regular DR can write you a new script. No one can force you to take a medication that you don't want to take. If he does insist that you go in to see him make sure you leave with a prescription for 4g enemas, plus a copy of your chart, fill that prescription and then get yourself a new GI.

It's not possible for anyone here to tell you how long it will take for your bleeding to stop. And from my experience, most of us are using 4g enemas so our results are going to be different.
Posted 2/9/2012 3:32 AM (GMT 0)
He might not have the right to force me onto pred, but he does have the right to refuse me a prescription for the 4g enemas. He didn't tell me why I was prescribed 2g and not 4g. Then again, he never does explain any of his decisions to me. I'm going to my regular doctor tomorrow to get some blood work done, so maybe I'll ask him for the enemas instead. I doubt he'll give it to me since so many doctors around here are afraid of patients reacting badly to meds and being sued for malpractice.

I want to change GIs, and I already have someone in mind working at the same hospital, but I wanted to wait until I get my symptoms under control. I'm a little worried that the new GI might ask for another scope, and I don't want to miss any time away from college as this is my very last semester before graduation.

Post Edited (Max89) : 2/8/2012 8:38:23 PM (GMT-7)

Posted 2/9/2012 3:36 AM (GMT 0)
I think that's a great idea. You shouldn't have such a hard time getting the 4g enemas. They seem to the the standard dose. I hope the doctor tomorrow write the script and that you get this flare up under control and fin da new GI in the mean time.
Posted 2/9/2012 4:31 AM (GMT 0)
Yes, that sounds like a great idea to ask your regular doctor. Your GI sounds kind of crappy...

I would try the 4 gram enemas for at least a few weeks and see if your bleeding goes away. Are you on oral meds too?
Posted 2/9/2012 7:03 AM (GMT 0)
The mesalamine enemas are slow-acting so I would advise you not to panic if you still see some blood after 3.5 weeks of use. It has taken me a couple months or longer, using them nightly, to get a flare under control. You need to be persistent in using them-- as long as you see a decrease in severity of symptoms. RE your doctor not wanting to Rx 4 mg. dosage-- tell him it is the standard retention enema dosage in the USA. He must have a problem-- sounds fixated on Pred. That's plainly stupid; if you have left-sided UC or proctosigmoiditis, you definitely have the option to try steroid retention enemas before taking Prednisone. They wouldn't generate as many side effects as the oral steroid. In any case, try to stay calm and positive, and keep your eye on the prize (= graduation). Also, rest as much as you can because that helps the healing process. Too bad you can't consult Quincy's gastro in Manitoba! / Old Hat (31 yrs with left-sided UC; presently in remission taking brandname Colazal)
Posted 2/9/2012 1:25 PM (GMT 0)
I definetely would give it more time. And for a GI to not want to do what his patient is comfortable with is just terrible. I would be finding a new GI.
Posted 2/12/2012 1:03 AM (GMT 0)
Well, I can't get it over the phone. He says that if it's a dosage increase I want, I'll have to come in and see him. He can however give me a script for pred over the phone (no thanks).

The mornings after the enemas are fine, but the only issue is that I started seeing a little blood by the end of the day. So until it's time for the appointment, I'm using cortifoam in the evenings. Bleeding is barely visible by now, and I hope it stays that way for a while. Oh, and he didn't prescribe the cortifoam to me either.

Post Edited (Max89) : 2/11/2012 6:07:23 PM (GMT-7)

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