My early UC treatment was exclusively Cortenemas because Rowasa was not yet available. I stayed on them for as long as 3 months then tapered off. They did not have the bad side effects of Pred, such as moon face, for me. At 1st they did make me feel strong enough to break boards, a false "high", which one needs to be aware of-- so as to continue getting plenty of rest to help heal the inflamed tissue. They also increased my appetite, but it didn't harm me to gain weight at that point in my life because I was around 108 lbs & looked kinda scrawny. With extensive use they cause one's scalp hair to thin, and they can bring on yeast infections. In my case their benefits outweighed the few side effects; I had such a severe flare on diagnosis that gastro said my left-side colon "looked like raw hamburger" at c-scope & I was in danger of hemorrhage. So I would advise that you can take hydrocortisone enemas with confidence for at least a few months if you need fast relief from major UC symptoms. Be sure to eat as balanced a diet as possible & take the necessary vit/mineral supplements, such as calcium, vit D, & folic acid. Best wishes for you to feel better soon! / Old Hat (nearly 30 yrs with left-sided UC; currently on 3 Colazal daily; seem to be back in remission)