Salofalk enema

I just started Salofalk enema 4. I'm on day 5 and I am not impressed with the side effects! Is it normal to feel nauseous after taking it?

The package suggests I hold it in all night? Really? That is never going to happen because I get up frequently during the night to pee (long story).

Not only am I nauseous, but I get cramps the night of the big insertion and the next day. I have taken the air out of the bulb by shaking it gently and squeezing it ever so slightly just prior to administering. But there it is again … a pain in the gut

I can't go out. If I'm not having blood gushing out, I've got the runs or cramps. I've been stuck inside since last Wednesday.
Is it normal?
Is this ever going to end?
My "end" has never felt so bad.

Rant over, comments and advice welcome

Thank you for answering imagardener2! I am taking salofalk by mouth 500 mg x 4 twice daily = total of 4000 mg)

I haven't used suppositories for years now. I tried the Salofalk suppositories in 2010 but then changed doctors and the pills worked until just recently.

I've been flaring for 3 months now and didn't go to the doctor because I was in denial. Saw him last Wednesday and he immediately put me on the enema. Do you think I should ask to be switched to the suppositories or keep trying?

DBwithUC, thank you for the advice. I will consider calling him later today or tomorrow. I will also try to hold it in again, even if I can only take in about half. Great advice!

Thank you!!

Oh, before I forget, do you know why my doctor picked Salofalk 4 instead of Salofalk 2? Would 2 be milder?

I have been using the 2gram for a long time. One I was prescribed the 4gram and they gave me cramps and were harder to hold in.

about to pee frequently during the night I'm the same. With time you will learn to be able to control your muscle better in that area and will be able to pee and keep the enema in.

The Kegel excercises could help you get control of all the muscles in that area.

When I'm in a flare and for some reason I don't keep my enema in (less than three hours) I use an other one.

Don't I know about denial I did that once. Never again, I now see my doctor ASAP. But I get the felling of wanting to ignore the UC and just hope it goes away.

quincy said...
What were your symptoms before you started the enemas?

When flaring, it's pretty much usual to have symptoms continue before the meds kick in.....anything in the lower gut will produce that discomfort.

Yes, it's normal when flaring to have extreme nausea just after administering the enema.

It's also usual for continual grumbling when the enema is in, if you have gas, etc...hard to hold it in when urinating at night time. Co-ordination is tricky.

The 4g is more bang for the administration....if you're sensitive to 5ASA, then trying the 2g or using half is another option. I'd suggest hanging tough with the 4g for another 2 weeks at least to see if you're noticing improvement.

Are you letting the enema go during the night?

q

My symptoms are basically the same on the meds as they are off the meds. Prior to starting the enema I had pain, a lot of blood mixed with mucus and D alternating with consitipation. On the meds it just seems magnified plus I am now nauseous. The pain last evening was so bad I nearly went to emerg.- but I stuck it out and today the cramps aren't as bad (yet).

Unfortunately I can't go…at all. I haven't gone in any meaningful way in a couple of days. Oh sure, the D did stop - which is far less frightening - but I just have to try to have a BM and bloody mucus is all that happens.

I am now afraid the pain and cramping will get as bad as it did yesterday if I don't have a BM.

And yes, I am letting the enema go during the night because the pain of holding it in is excruciating and it's the only thing that gives me relief.

I don't mean to complain and I know there are far more serious things out there than what I have, but this is making feel terrible about myself and so alone. The only thing that is keeping me hopeful and (relatively) sane, is this forum.

DBwithUC said...
Even a few hours is better than nothing.

Yes a few hours si better than nothing. Maybe, using a second enema is not such a good idea if you cramps are that bad. When can you see you GI ? Because, It would be good to let him know how bad are your cramps. Maybe, the 2 g enema would be much better.

Have you try anything naturel for the constipation, such as prune juice. Constipation pain plus UC cramps can be pretty painful.

Don't fell sorry that you are complaining, the UC symptoms are pretty scary sometimes. They cause anxiety at times and I'm not a bad UC cases. My flares are not as bad as some are but still it does not means it is easy.

Try to get in contact with your GI don't wait he might have an easy answer such as changing your enema and maybe some pain killers until you get a bit better.

Sorry your are felling so bad.