oral steriod vs enema

Hi! Previously I took a steroid enema every night but had to quit because of an adverse reaction (puffy face, hands, etc.). So my GI doctor has been hesitant to put me on oral steroids for my proctitis but I said I was willing to work through the side effects (puffy face and all) if it's going to make me feel better. I've now been dealing with this for more than a year and have exhausted many other options (I've been on 6-MP for 3-1/2 months and have seen no change). Last week I experienced several TERRIBLE accidents so, again, I'm willing to do anything.

Here's my question: Will the side effects of the oral steroid be worse than the enema steriod? I assume yes, because I will be taking more (plan is 4 pills/day for 5 days, 3 pills/day for 5 days, 2 pills/day for 2 weeks, 1-1/2 pills/day for 2 weeks, see where we are) and because it's oral. Just wondering if anyone out there has taken both (oral and enema) and differences/similarities side-effect wise between the two.

Thanks.

I don't know why my sig didn't appear. Here's my med history:

currently taking:
• balsalazide 750mg 9x/day
• 6-MP 50mg 1x/day
• mesalamine enema every night
• fluoxetine 20mg 1x/day
• iron + vitamin c for anemia
• saccharomyces boulardii probiotic 1x/day

previously took:
• hydrocortisone enema at night
• vancomycin for c-diff (6-month taper did the trick)

The siggie won't show up in the Post Reply or the Edit unless you click the box to "include signature in reply".



Is this the first time on the mesalamine enemas?

When are you taking the iron?

How much vitamin C?

Have you considered to change your probiotic?

Consider to add a fibre supplement possibly.

q

Hi..I'm suggesting basics...the probiotics I use are in my signature.

Yes, I suggest metamucil...I use capsules because there's no flavouring and you can take them in small incriments. I would suggest with meals starting with one capsule for a few days and adding.

I take probiotics at night.

You have been on the mesalamine enemas a long time...I've read from others that one generic might be better than another..have you tried different kinds?

Has your doctor taken a look to see if you have inflammation in the rectum?

When you were using the steroid enema...were you off the mesalamine?

q

I think you can call your pharmacy to see if they can get in/offer you another generic mesalamine enema.

What dosage are you using? if you're using a 4g, maybe a 2g might be better?

There are also lower steroid enema dosages.

q

What about adding a steroid suppository?  It melts directly in the rectal area and very little is absorbed systemically.  I would try this before oral pred.  I use Rowasa at night and when I have problems, I add a steroid supp and it helps. I also take VSL 3 and Metamucil.  Good luck!

B

Hope you feel better soon...
Are you still going to be using the mesalamine enema?

q

You're welcome....let me know how you're doing.

q