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Ulcerative Colitis
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Posted 8/31/2019 1:36 PM (GMT 0)
I don’t even know what to name this new post. I have had ulcerative colitis for two years. My worst symptom has been severe pain, but not that often. I have loose stools or diarrhea most of the time. Five days ago I started taking mezavant, and over these days my diarrhea has got worse to the point where I have to go to the toilet soon after every tine I eat. I’m also anxious because I have been prescribed prednisone and it’s worrying me. I had a colonoscopy a few weeks ago and finally had a phone call from the doctor. She is going to change my prescription from mezavant to Pentasa, not because of the diarrhea, she doesn’t think it’s a side effect of Mesavant. It seems like a coincidence to me and I guess I want to find a reason for the diarrhea. My reasons are possible stress because I have a big presentation to do on Thursday that I do not feel prepared to do, or the mezavant. I still take salafalk suppositories, I’m wondering if I should start the prednisone today because this diarrhea is extreme. The only thing stopping me is worry about the presentation on Thursday . I don’t want to be moody or confused on the that day.
Posted 8/31/2019 1:37 PM (GMT 0)
My doctor said that she prescribed prednisone because I am in an active flare.

I’m thinking of just taking the prednisone starting today, and then riding that roller coaster. I wish I had a person who would just sit down with me and say “go for it, it will be ok. It’s not the end of the world.”

Post Edited (Rosiedays) : 8/31/2019 7:55:27 AM (GMT-6)

Posted 8/31/2019 2:24 PM (GMT 0)
Can you call doctor's office and ask to test for stomuch bug? Do you see mucus and blood or is just diarrhea? Sudden onset of diarrhea without mucus or blood can be infection. If you have to start the pred you should know the taper schedule and it very dangerous to stop cold turkey.
Posted 8/31/2019 5:21 PM (GMT 0)
Is there a reason you haven't been on retention enemas?

Do you have a copy of the pathology results?
If so, let us know what they are.
q
Posted 8/31/2019 7:08 PM (GMT 0)
I don’t know much Quincy. I’m going to see my doctor in November! I’m very upset about the lack of discussion, and so grateful for this forum which will help me write a list of questions to ask. I took my first dose of prednisone today, so I guess I’m doing this for the next two months (2 weeks of 40 mg then a taper).
I’m probably post here every day to explain my symptoms. Actually I’ll start a thread . Right now I feel a little confused. But less anxious about preparing for my workshop on Thursday , and like I have enough energy to clean my house and make dinner for tonight for six guests.
Posted 9/1/2019 3:20 AM (GMT 0)
You could call the gastro office and request a copy of the pathology report. With that info, you can do some research and compile questions before your appointment.

q
Posted 9/1/2019 11:23 AM (GMT 0)
Can you switch back to pentasa to see if it improves?
Posted 9/2/2019 7:14 PM (GMT 0)
I just called the pharmacist. I have never taken Pentasa. Only salafalk suppositories.
There is a prescription for Pentasa at the pharmacy. When he went to fill it he noticed that the prescription was for enemas but the instructions were to take it orally, so he has faxed the dr. I asked the pharmacist if I could take enemas and suppositories and he said no.

I’m sure the mesavant is causing diarrhea. It’s almost like I’m doing a colonoscopy prep every day, not a usual UC symptom for me to have this every day. I was thinking Pentasa might also do the same thing in oral tablets. At this point, I’m tired , and I’m grateful for the support here, and being able to go somewhere to vent.

On the positive side, I’m not worrying about the Prednisone any more. But I won’t take it again so quickly and I’ll make sure I have an appointment with a GI already in place before any hospital procedures in the future. I’m hoping that the prednisone will stop the active flare. I’d also like to have a follow up colonoscopy to be sure .
Posted 9/2/2019 7:17 PM (GMT 0)
Quincy, would a “retention enema” be pentasa enema?
Posted 9/2/2019 9:34 PM (GMT 0)
Yes.
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