Newly Diagnosed - Question about meds

I'm looking for some advice regarding what my GI prescribed. I had a colonoscopy Wednesday confirming my symptoms were compatible with colitis. The results show that my inflammation reaches up to the rectosigmoid junction. I have a follow up in 6 weeks to review the biopsy results.

I was put on Prednisone 40mg and tapering. I was also prescribed Canasa and Rowasa. According to the prescription, I'm to take both twice a day. I was a little unsure of how to take both of these twice a day. I called the dr's office and while waiting for a return call, I spoke to my pharmacist who said he didn't really know how I would use both medications twice a day. When the nurse called back, she said the GI's directions were to, "use one, then wait a little, and use the other... and repeat." Does this sound accurate? Based on everything I've been reading (after 8 weeks of the classic UC symptoms, one tends to do a lot of searching the web) it seems more practical to maybe use the Rowasa at night and a suppository in the morning?

Also- when I asked the nurse how long I would need to continue both medications twice a day, the answer I received was "forever."

Right now, I'm just hoping to start getting these symptoms under control and am looking for some insight as to how accurate those directions are. This is all new to me, so any guidance is much appreciated!

Thank you for your response. I did the enema last night and will take the canasa this morning. My symptoms are blood, urgency, mucus, and gas, but I have solid stools. The mornings are always worse, making 2-3 trips to the bathroom right when I wake up. Through the remainder of the day, I'll typically make another 2-3 dashes to the bathroom to expel blood and mucus most of the time.

I did not do much research on the GI prior to making the appointment, although his background info on the website claims that he has extensive practice in treating IBD. I'm planning on seeing how the 6 week follow up goes, but then may try another GI.

The nurse may have said that they will call with pathology results - This was a little hazy as I had just woken up from after having the scope.

Thank you again for the responses. Having never been on long term meds before, I'm usually compliant with any dr's orders, but these directions seemed a bit off to me. It's a little overwhelming bringing home boxes upon boxes of meds.

It's helpful to see that I wasn't so far off in what I was thinking. Thanks again. Hopefully I'll get this under control soon.

Do you recommend that I get a second opinion? Yes, I realize that long term shouldn't mean that I'll need that regimen always, which is also why I don't understand how my dr could make it sound like I would.

I too was surprised of the prednisone, and perhaps should have asked. I thought maybe it would help get the flare under control more quickly?

Will keep you posted. Many thanks. I'm sure I'll have future questions regarding maintenance meds when I get into remission.

i'll second that 2nd opinion !

Ok, I may call back to ask about the oral mesalamine. Thank you all for the feedback.

Rectal meds:
Canasa - 1,000mg (2x per day as written on script)
Rowasa - 4g (2x per day as written on script)

Just started last night - One Rowasa and one canasa this morning.

Will do. Thank you again. Called the dr and although I asked to speak with him directly, a nurse called back with the drs request for me to come in on Monday. I'm anxious to speak with him Monday.