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Ulcerative Colitis
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Posted 2/24/2008 2:52 PM (GMT 0)
I was considering going to the ER last night. For those of you who don't know me I'm Charmin - diagnosed with mild UC rectum only in Jan. , but now per sigmoidoscopy have it up to a least 60 cm. I started my first medication Asacol on Thursday after my scope. Stopped taking it after 6 does because of generalized stomach pain (constant!). Have been in bed for 48 hours now, but the pain even after stopping Asacol is worse. Unlike the past the cramping did not go away after using the bathroom. Have not been eating much, but stool are more liquid (i used to spot a few formed things here and there) and the blood is about the same. The cramp last night lasted for well over and hour - so intense it is hard to describe. Currently only on hydrocorisone supp each night.

My questions are:
What would they really have done with me in the ER??
Do they every treat pain with Narcotics?
What is safe to take for pain?

PS-- Full intention to talk to my doctor on Monday - he mentioned steroids if Asacol didn't work after two weeks (I only lasted 6 doses --bummer). He is at a large hospital and going through all of the residents on call on the weekends isn't worth it I don't think. Back to my question... what would they do anyway (with severe stomach pain)?

Really sick,
Thanks again,
Charmin
Posted 2/24/2008 3:29 PM (GMT 0)
I have had Vicodin for extreme arthritis flares. I do have to say it shuts down ANY UC pain and slows down the colon at the same time. The downside to narcotics is possible addiction and constipation. In my humble opinion nothing has brought me more relief. See if you can get some to get on top of the pain.
Posted 2/24/2008 4:57 PM (GMT 0)
The ER would likely give you pain medication, Charmin. If you do get narcotics, take them carefully because the slowing down of the colon from too many can cause problems in some people. I hope you can find some relief.
Posted 2/24/2008 6:54 PM (GMT 0)
Hi Charmin, I haven't had a chance to welcome you to HW yet so welcome :) I'm sorry that you are suffering at the moment. Usually what they do for you at the ER is hook you up to an IV and if you are having symptoms such as you are, they will start you on a steroid unless you tell them not to. But they will give you pain meds - not sure which ones because some docs use different kinds. But whatever you do take, stay away from anti-inflammatories as they will increase your symptoms. Sometimes though we need that pain med just so we can rest comfortably. I hope you feel better soon.
Posted 2/25/2008 3:02 AM (GMT 0)
Hey There Charmin - when my husband was at his all time worst - white knuckle pain for an extended period when I just could not stand it any longer I brought him to the hospital even though he didn't really want to go.............he needed IV's, blood transfusions and definitely pain medication and  a pain management program that he is still on. 

When the pain is so acute and you can't even focus, comprehend, don't want to talk to anyone or have anyone talk to you and have a real short fuse it is definitely time to have something prescribed.  We are hoping to be able to taper off the pain meds soon - things have been going fairly well and then the last two days were most uncomfortable and in bed most of the time and today woke up feeling quite well and we had a nice day out and about and a movie we just got in from.

This is so frustratingly unpredictable - I just go with the flow now - if he is up to it we will go out and do whatever - if not -  we just lay low and stay close to home.

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