How to classify

I am so forgetful.  I went back to the GI today to follow up after my colonoscopy.  I have been flaring since January 1, 2009 (yeah...Happy New Year)!  I had a colonoscopy on February 13th. 

This is all so overwhelming!  It was like all this information flying at me all at once today.  After the colonoscopy he put me on 2 Asacol 3X a day and Rowasa.  Today he increased the Asacol to 3 tablets 3x a day. 

The one question I forgot to ask is how to classify the UC.  I know they call it different things based on how much of the colon is affected.  He said mine has affected the rectum, sigmoid colon, decending colon and about 1/2 the transverse colon.  Does anyone know how this would be classified?

Also, has anyone heard of psydo polps from inflammation?

Yeah, I'd say left-sided heading to pancolitis.

But, don't despair yet, if the 5ASA meds can help get the inflammation under control, your future flares can be fairly well kept limited to the lower protion of the colon.

How are you doing with the Rowasa? What did the doc say for you to do once you feel normal?

quincy

Call the doctor to get refills on the prescription...stopping cold turkey is not recommended....say you don't want to be without them for 6 days.

Or...get the pharmacy to call when you start the last box.

I agree regarding the prednisone. It's my own theory that it will set one up for future med failure.....but if you can stick with the 5ASA meds and give them a real fair trial.....patience is really what you need....they could very well be all you'll need.

Yes, they're a pain,
Yes, I hate doing them...but 9 seconds out of my night is nadda.

I would say give yourself at least 6 months with the 5ASA, oral/rectal....you may be able to taper the rectal to maintenance...that's really the goal, to find that will help keep flares to a minimum.

I had lots of ups and downs the first 2+ years....I actually begged my doctor for other meds....he just shook his head and said that they do work for me considering I'm have improvement and have remissions...it's just finding the right combo and sheduling that requires the patience.

He then gave me the freedom to increase and decrease the rectal med (I'm on Salofalk..which is like Rowasa, but in Canada) as I see fit. 20 years later....still using them and they still work..whew.

Hang tough...if you're in a hurry but yet having improvement, you'll maybe miss out on a med that can take you through many years before you have to go to other meds.

If htey don't work, you'll know it...but give it a fair try.

The commitment is a pain, but not as much as a flare pain in the butt.....

quincy

I answered in your "flying with meds" post, but I'll also answer here. I'm also newly diagnosed and there's no way I'd want to chance feeling bad during a vacation to Aruba, either! At least take some Rowasa with you so you can use them if things start to head south. I think the Rowasa is what really did it for me in terms of improving my symptoms quickly.

Thanks everyone. I will give the GI a call this next week.