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Enemas--should symptoms get worse before getting better?

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Posted 7/3/2016 2:37 PM (GMT 0)
My doctor prescribed mesalamine enemas and I feel like they have made my symptoms worse, more cramping and more diarrhea. Should symptoms get worse before getting better? Or does this mean they don't work for me and I should stop? Thank you!!
Posted 7/3/2016 3:08 PM (GMT 0)
Symptoms shouldn't get worse. Exactly what is happening to make you say your symptoms are now worse?
Posted 7/3/2016 3:12 PM (GMT 0)
Cramping is worse, all day not just after using them, and more diarrhea.
Posted 7/3/2016 3:25 PM (GMT 0)
It's possible you might be having a reaction to the sulfites in the enemas. They do make sulfite-free enemas (or is it sulfate? whatever). Or maybe you could try Uceris foam -- my GI was recommending it the other day. As long as your insurance covers Uceris tablets you can get the foam for no more than a $25 co-pay with the manufacture discount. Dr gave me a card for it, but you get the same deal for the pills at the pharmacy without the card. Just a thought.

I don't think you should be getting worse from the enemas. They don't work right away but shouldn't make you worse.
Posted 7/3/2016 4:16 PM (GMT 0)
You could request either sulfite free rowasa to try, canasa or steroids/uceris enemas/foam. The increased symptoms could be due many things, but to me, it doesn't seem like something people typically experience from mesalamine enemas. Technically canasa is the same as mesalamine enemas in a different form, so you may experience the same symptoms - but it may be okay since it's a lower dose. The problem with suppositories is that they only treat a very small area - a stubborn, small area. They are more effective in some cases, it depends on your personal condition.
Posted 7/3/2016 4:39 PM (GMT 0)
How long have you been using them?
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Posted 7/3/2016 5:30 PM (GMT 0)
Cramping all day seems like a drug intolerance if you have changed nothing else.
The diarrhea can be a couple things. When I use mes. enemas it seems to let BM's come more easily, maybe because the inflammation was stopping them. But wouldn't call it D as much as increased BM's.

If I feel a med is causing negative results I stop, wait a day or two and try again, especially when it's something I want to keep using because there have been so few tolerated. You will be the best judge of your own symptoms. It could definitely be the sulfite suspension doing it though.
Posted 7/4/2016 6:09 PM (GMT 0)
How long using them?
Posted 7/5/2016 7:39 AM (GMT 0)
For what it's worth, I was allergic to mesalamine enemas but i did so much better after switching to hydrocortisone enemas (and they helped enormously!)
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