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Ulcerative Colitis
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Posted 7/19/2012 1:52 AM (GMT 0)
I talked about going to see my GI today because my bleeding isn't stopping and now I've been prescribed mesalamine enemas.

The doc left my 'file' open on the computer screen which I read of course. He mentioned in the note to my family doctor that if this step isn't successful, then the next step would be steroids "of course".

I have been so trying to relax about all of this, after all, most people respond to the medications, right!?!

I feel like a bucket of nerves now. I do not want to go on steroids but I also know I can't keep bleeding.

I'm trying to keep positive, but I feel so, nervous and scared. I did a relaxation thing this afternoon which felt really positive, and I'm going to keep my fingers crossed that these enemas will work. Also going to make more bone broth tonight

I appreciate everyone here, it sure is helpful not to feel all alone
Posted 7/19/2012 2:02 AM (GMT 0)
Is your inflammation left sided? Then I guess enemas will be very helpful.

I was taking cortisone enemas which really helped me a lot and they didn't have the full load of side effects. So maybe, if it really gets that far, you can ask him for cortisone enemas instead of pills?

Do yourself something good tonight. Maybe a calming tea and a nice book or movie. Try to relax. I hope you get better soon.
Posted 7/19/2012 2:57 AM (GMT 0)
The enemas help a lot of people, so you have every reason to expect the same. Make sure you give them enough time. Let us know how it goes.
Posted 7/19/2012 4:35 AM (GMT 0)
Lodi:

It is okay to be anxious. I, too, was extremely nervous when I had to go to Prednisone. I was on it for about 1 month total, which I think is a fairly long time. In the end, it definitely made things better. From my experience and looking back, I'd say to always keep in mind what the big picture is; in this case, the risks of taking steroids pale in comparison to the relief/remission that it could bring. Moreover, the quicker you hit remission the less you put yourself at risk of colon cancer, which god forbid, is the last thing any one of us wants.

Good luck & feel better!
Posted 7/19/2012 11:56 AM (GMT 0)
There's a really good chance the enemas will work.

And if they don't, pred (if used correctly, meaning that you're not on it for too long) really isn't the end of the world. Yes, it's a nasty drug. But it's also generally a really effective drug. It stopped my symptoms almost dead in their tracks, and I really didn't have any side effects. I was on a high dose for only a very short period of time, and was able to taper off easily.
Posted 7/19/2012 12:23 PM (GMT 0)
I get worked up whenever I see blood because I know the pred could be around the corner but working myself up is
probably making everything worse.

Give the enemas a good go. They have kept me off pred quite a few times!
Pred is the devil. Not gonna lie. But it's usually only the first few weeks that are super bad.
Doing a short course usually works wonders tho:)
Posted 7/19/2012 3:30 PM (GMT 0)
It's good you've been prescribed the enemas...all you can do is try them. Did the doc give you a specific amount of time to revisit treatment?
Do you have refills?

What oral 5ASA are you on?

q
Posted 7/19/2012 9:11 PM (GMT 0)
Thanks for all of your replies. It really helped me to get some feedback. I'll cross the steroid bridge if I get to it eh!

I did the enema last night and was surprised at how easy it was. I managed to hold it all night too.

This morning I had only three BMs compared to yesterday's 5. Way less blood. A lot more gas. Less urgency. BMs not so close together. I'll track the stats for sure.

Quincy, I have three weeks until I visit the GI again. He said to do the enemas until I see him again. I'm taking oral Mesasal. 4- 500mg tabs, twice a day.

Adrina, I don't have definite knowlege of where my UC is. The biopsies showed UC throughout the colon but the closer to the rectum, the redder it was.

I still can't believe this world I've been set into shakehead

Post Edited (Lodi) : 7/19/2012 3:14:49 PM (GMT-6)

Posted 7/19/2012 9:15 PM (GMT 0)
Sounds good, especially holding it, and like the others pred was not bad for me, just wish I had stuck to the other meds after to give them a chance.
Posted 7/19/2012 10:28 PM (GMT 0)
Why the apprehension about steroids? I LOVE prednisone, and take a few courses of it a year. It makes me feel better right away and heals my poor colon. Without it, I'd have lost my colon years ago.
Posted 7/20/2012 1:52 AM (GMT 0)
That's a good point runaway. I guess if you need prednisone to rehabilitate your colon, it's wonderful to have it.

I'm apprehensive because I had to take prednisone for many months when I was 12 and my whole system seemed to change dramatically. It was back in the seventies, and there weren't a lot of things in the arsenal I guess. I'm also watching my mom deal with some pretty serious side effects from long term steroid use.

Your attitude is better, no need to fret about what can't be changed...it will just add to the problem. Thanks.
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