how have you used steroid enemas?

Hey there

I have been taking a new approach to my UC. Basically, as soon as I feel the smallest flare-like symptom, I am on it. Usually it is gas and tummy rumbles. Mesalamine enemas do not seem to do much for me anymore, so the last few times I have experienced these small symptoms I have used a steroid enema for about a 5 days or so and then tapered for about 4 days. This has seemed to do the trick. However, I am concerned about being on the enemas too often. As this is a newer way for me to handle my UC, I have only been doing this the past 3-4 months or so (in the past I would progress to a mild/moderate flare before really tackling it...partly because I would second guess myself about whether I was going to flare until the time I was REALLY flaring). During the 3-4 months of this new approach, I have do this quick round of enemas twice. Do others go on and off quickly like this? With what frequency? Is there any risk in doing these small hits frequently? I think I will also call my GI and ask but I appreciate your feedback too.

I agree with InSoFla.

Have you ever tried using mesalamine enemas at the first sign of a flare? Just curious.

I understand!

Joma,

That is exactly what  I do to stop a flare before it gets out of control.  The minute my stomach starts gurgling or I have an extra trip or two to the bathroom, or Im more gassy than usual then Im headed for a flare.

 I start the hycort enemas and cortifoam.  I use cortifoam during the day and hycort at night and things usually calm down within a few days to a couple weeks.  I start and stop the enemas all the  time. 

By doing this I have not had a major flare in many years.  You really have to listen to your body and act quickly. Dont wait for the mucus and blood because by then its too late.  It will take longer to get things back to normal.

I also eliminate foods when the gurling starts.  Lettuce for one is a killer for me when symptoms start.  Bread is another.

I also increase the probiotics at that point.

Joma, mesalamine rectal enemas were useless for me too. I do steroid enemas at night for 7 days and this usually does the job. Your approach of taking the steroid enemas for 5 days and then tapering for 4 days is very sound. You really don't need to worry about tapering because you don't get systemic absorption of the corticosteroid via your GI tract (and if there is any, it is very minimal (5mg, maybe)). Be very proactive like you are and you should be able to curtail this terribly wonderful disease.

The hydrocort enemas work much better then cortifoam. Cortifoam and hydro supps work great if you have just rectal inflamation. If you need to go a little higher I suggest the enemas. The others are so much easier to use. The enemas are also stronger. Had a couple of sleepless nights on them:(

Yup that sounds good. But, I wasted a lot of time trying to use the lesser of the two evils. I would go for the hydro Cort enemas first then make my way down. The others I use for maintence . The longer you let this flare fester the harder it is to control.

It might work the other way. Not for me.
Faith

onecolitis1- does your Dr. okay the fact that you use the enemas like that?  I always wondered if you could use the steroid enema/foam or supp for somewhat maintenance.

B