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Rowasa Enemas

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Ulcerative Colitis
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Posted 10/19/2009 9:36 PM (GMT 0)
Ok all,

I got the OK from the doc for the Rowasa enemas and I should be able to get them tomorrow.

I have no idea what to expect. I'm figuring I won't be able to hold it in all night and that it might be kinda awkward at first.

So...if any would be so kind...any tips or pointers or words of wisdom would be very much appreciated. Does everyone do them for themselves? I would really rather do them myself. Do you use lube? What kind? How much? I just want to get used to this as quickly as possible.

Thanks everyone!
Posted 10/19/2009 10:03 PM (GMT 0)
When it's first squeezed out you feel it inside you, so that can feel be a bit weird to a newbie, but try not to move much. I lie on one side and once the enema is inserted, squeeze out as much as I can from the bottle (typically about 3/4 of it gets through for me) then lie in that position for at least 20 minutes.

Lube helps a lot. KY jelly works well, and is better than vaseline as it's not petroleum based. I put it liberally on and around the tip of the enema as well as a bit around 'where the enema will be inserted'.
Posted 10/20/2009 12:20 AM (GMT 0)
I put the lube right on my butt and administer the thing when I'm in bed. When the cold weather comes, I warm it by holding it in my armpit (or my sweet hubby holds it in his) while I'm reading before "lights out."
Squeeze it in slowly, it'll sit better.
and breathe slowly, don't even talk for those first few minutes while it feels weird.
I've been doing them for years.
Posted 10/20/2009 2:52 AM (GMT 0)
Yesterday i did a rowasa when the football games were on, laid in bed and kept it all in for 6 hours.It's not something that can only be done before bedtime.I find that SOMTIMES when i do it before bedtime,and i'm able to hold it in all night,it can take a few trips to the bathroom before i get everything out and am able to get to work on time.There are times where alot of the rowasa is absorbed and there are times where not much if any is absorbed,but for me it usually knocks some if not all the inflamation down.GOOD LUCK AND BE PATIENT,I'VE EASILY DONE OVER 150 TO 200 ROWASAS-IT'S NOT THAT TOUGH
Posted 10/20/2009 9:27 AM (GMT 0)
Congratulations on getting the Rowasa!!! I sure do hope they work for you.

Let us know how the first night goes with them....

q
Posted 10/20/2009 12:07 PM (GMT 0)
This is the only place I know you can get a 'congrats' for getting to use enemas! turn

Allright, hopefully I'll be getting them today, I'm just really really really hoping they work for me. I feel like I just need a little more something to get into remission.

I'll keep you posted! Thanks for the help.
Posted 10/20/2009 1:50 PM (GMT 0)
As far as lube is concerned (and I do recommend it), I like res-q-ointment by burts bees. Not only does it make for a good lubricant, but it has wound healing properties too (which can't hurt).
Posted 10/20/2009 1:55 PM (GMT 0)
I am now the proud owner of a 4 week supply of Rowasa...the pharmacy actually had to order it, they don't keep it in stock b/c it is used so rarely.

So I suppose I use all these nightly and then see how I feel? It doesn't say anything about tapering, it just says 'use 1 at bedtime.' But it's no worries, I have you guys.

Also should I be concerned about this affecting my kidneys? I was reading the literature (which is always scary sounding) and it was mentioned.

Also, since I'm taking Asacol with no side effects, should I figure that I won't have side effects from these as well?
Posted 10/20/2009 2:09 PM (GMT 0)
Yes, as prescribed, use them nightly and then just see how things progress. However, when things do get better don't be in a hurry to get off them.

The literature is meant to be scary and contain all the disclaimers, but I wouldn't be too concerned about side-effects, especially as you're handling Asacol well.

Good luck with it.
Posted 10/20/2009 6:51 PM (GMT 0)
Oh my.....some who are intolerant of salicylates can have kidney problems, has happened with one or two members. Seems you tolerate the 5ASA fine at this point....5ASA is still one of the best tolerated meds for UC with the least long-term side effects...remember...think long-term plan.

I want them to work for you.

When you hit the 3 week mark, order your first refill, don't wait till you've used all and then have none.

Oh, just use regular lube if you need..not vaseline.

When you insert the nozzle, don't move it around. It should be in according to the directions helping to not trigger sensations.

You will probably have the urge to expel.....stay in the position on your left side (or butt in the air if you choose) and clench your cheeks, sphincter, fists...anything to get through it. It will pass.
I still get this on occasion when I'm flaring...

Lay still on your left side for at least half an hour.

I suggest you take only one Metamucil fibre wafer today as it will cause you some gas. Maybe take it with a meal instead of on its own.

Keep us posted...

quincy
Posted 10/20/2009 7:50 PM (GMT 0)
I use A & D ointment as lube. Seems to work best (never tried that res-q-ointment though). I actually put about a nickel size amount on the applicator tip. You may want to fill sink with hot water and let the rowasa bottle sit in there to warm it up a bit first. You may just try using half in the beginning until you feel comfortable with it. These are a few good starting tips anyway. For the more advanced sometimes I have done wallstands, lol. Most of the time I do them in the bathroom, then move to the bedroom in about 20 minutes. I always got so stressed out using them in bedroom I could never hold it. Much less stress for me with the toilet within 2 feet.
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