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Rowasa - working but not completely in remission

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Ulcerative Colitis
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Posted 2/25/2010 8:49 PM (GMT 0)
Rowasa update.  It's been almost 3 weeks since I started using Rowasa enemas and it's helping, but I'm still flaring.  I currently have about 3 morning BMs daily, and sometimes another BM after lunchtime.  Usually no blood (this is a huge improvement) but still not completely formed stool - although when it is formed it's n oticeably thicker, leading me to believe the inflammation is starting to go down in my large intestine.  Hoping using Rowasa longer will keep improving my condition - but I'm starting to wonder if this is as good as it's gonna get with this medication.  How long did it take others to go into full remission? Also, I skipped my enema last night b/c I felt really bloated and wasn't sure I could retain the Rowasa overnight.  This is the first time I've skipped a dose - hoping this won't set me back in the healing process.
Posted 2/25/2010 10:02 PM (GMT 0)
try not to skip if you can...i know from experience ---)
Posted 2/26/2010 2:49 AM (GMT 0)
I was on them (Salofalk enemas) once for 4 months nightly...so hang tough. The first few flares take the longest it seems...my doc said "you're improving..be patient".

q
Posted 2/26/2010 4:15 PM (GMT 0)
I agree, hang in there with the Rowasa.  (I posted a similar question this past week!)

If you are moderately flared or worse, it really seems to take 2-3 weeks to feel some results.  My GI is very insistent that I do an enema at night AND again in the morning and hold for at least an hour to really attack the flare.  But the morning regimine is tough - bowels must be empty and spasming/runs to the bathroom have to have stopped......THEN hold the enema for an hour and THEN go to work.

My GI recommends doing them for a month, even when sympoms have stopped, to stay on top of the inflammation.

Good luck!

Posted 2/26/2010 5:54 PM (GMT 0)
As long as they aren't doing any harm, you might as well keep using them for awhile. They could be helping, albeit slowly. The medicine is not as harmful as some of the other drugs, and it's a targeted drug. You don't want the flare to get worse and have to go on prednisone.
Posted 2/26/2010 7:21 PM (GMT 0)
I'm just going to add that you're goal should never be to eventually go on pred.

I know I keep ringing the same bell here and many disagree, but even at my worst, my doc said to be patient and let the 5ASA (Asacol and Salofalk enemas) do their thing. Slow and sure.

21 years looking back...it's the same goal I have and my flares have been minimal because I use the rectal meds to treat flares early.

Oh, my flares are limited and have never been as bad as in the first 2 years.

quincy
Posted 2/26/2010 7:30 PM (GMT 0)
My goal is no pred or humira or anything like that anymore..I will shove anything up there to avoid those things!!!
Posted 2/26/2010 7:31 PM (GMT 0)
right on Krissy....lol.
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