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Ulcerative Colitis
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Posted 8/10/2008 7:33 PM (GMT 0)
Hi there - I was diagnosed with Ulcerative Proctitis about four months ago. Initially my GI gave me Canasa suppositories and now I'm on 1.2 GM of Lialda daily. I took the Lialda for two months and felt much better, so I went off it cold turkey and now am feeling worse again. My symptoms initially included blood and pus with stool and some weight loss (which may not have been related). So far I haven't had the big D because apparently my infection is low enough that it hasn't caused it. My stomach (or bowel?) seems to rumble and make noises quite a bit. So, I have two questions: if I'm not having a problem with diarrhea yet, is that still to come? And secondly, if I'm in true "remission" will my body always make these growling noises when I eat? For the past two months I've had no blood or pus, but still much stomach rumbling. Before this I could eat just about anything, so it's really bothering me. I also take Probiotics, Vitamin C, B-12 and Aloe. I'm a 40-year-old single mom with a stressful job, so I'm trying to control stress in my life. THANK YOU for your help - it's nice to have someone to talk to about this.
Posted 8/10/2008 8:33 PM (GMT 0)
Hi...welcome to the forum. I'd say those are good warning signs that I'd pretty much heed as the start of a flare.

Start back on the Lialda (you should never have stopped), and go back on the Canasa nightly. I much prefer the retention enemas..but you can take the Canasa up to 3 times a day if needed.


If you start having diarrhea, that means that the inflammation has probably creeped upward higher into the rectum and probably past heading to the sigmoid colon.

Once you deal with the rectal symptoms and the inflammation starts to recede, then your stomach discomfort will lessen.

You could also ask the doc if he could prescribe an antispasmodic...that too will help.

I'd say you have low in the rectum inflammation and should start dealing with it now. For me, the stomach discomfort, gas (that seems to explode in the rectum before exiting) and rectal pain/discomfort upon bms is a sure sign.

Being a single mom and stressful jobs don't help, but if you have your med regimen set out well and are faithful to your meds, you can aleast help to keep inflammation as low as possible and treat flares early.

What aloe are you taking?

quincy
Posted 8/10/2008 8:47 PM (GMT 0)
Never stop taking your medication, even in remission. Just because the symptoms go away doesn't mean the disease has, and it will come back full force sooner or later. Lialda and Canasa are maintenance drugs for a chronic health condition.
Posted 8/10/2008 8:57 PM (GMT 0)
Hi quincy - thanks for the advice. I'm taking just regular OTC Aloe capsules 1.2 mg extract and 308 mg powder, just one per day. Not sure if that really makes a difference - I'm open to all advice. I looked at that Molo-Cure, but I didn't like what I heard about it on this forum, especially since I am type O blood and that caused a big problem for someone. I'm hoping to keep my current condition contained so it doesn't turn into a major D problem, so I'll stay on my drugs. Hopefully this is as bad as it gets - who knows??
Posted 8/10/2008 9:03 PM (GMT 0)
I'd actually nix the aloe at this point anyway.

What dosage were you on the Canasa...did you stop them as well?

Are you back on? them how often?

q
Posted 8/10/2008 9:08 PM (GMT 0)
Canasa 1000 mg, one per night. I took those for a month, then my GI switched me over to one Lialda per night for maintenance, so no, I stopped using the Canasa. Are they inter-changeable - for example, could I stop the Lialda and go back on the Canasa instead?
Posted 8/10/2008 9:15 PM (GMT 0)
No....you use BOTH. The Lialda covers above the rectum or sigmoid..depending on your symptoms and body..etc.
The Canasa covers the rectum only. Both ends approach.

You will taper the Canasa to maybe once a week....but that's a low dosage of rectal meds...hopefully, that's all you'll need.

The retention enemas will cover up to and into the sigmoid...it's also more medication directed at where UC starts and is the last to heal. They come in a 2g and 4g dosage.

You do have an option for using the Canasa 3x daily, or as some have done...stack them using two at once.

All the above are options.

Your goal is to keep your UC where it is and treat early.

We've all probably tried to get off our meds, and some have been successful....but since UC is lifelong and for many it's spread upward...,my experience and success with meds for almost 20 years tells me it's good go use them.

Besides, you never want to get to the point where you need more powerful meds...if you can use 5ASA meds...USE them.

quincy
Posted 8/11/2008 4:27 PM (GMT 0)
all good advice! Take your meds or you will flare up.

Also aloe can cause diarreah, I know aloe juice can cause diarreah and is not recommended for anyone w/UC. There are different types of aloe people can take but it's the 'juice' that can cause D. I'd stay away from it completely and try some probiotics for your stomach.
Posted 8/12/2008 1:29 AM (GMT 0)
Thanks Beth, that's helpful. I'm takin' my meds.
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