Question about steroid enemas

Hello everyone,

I had tried mezavant and asacol but got headaches after awhile. Now i am getting headaches from the pentasa enemas as well. So my doc said to stop all 5-asa.

I am not having any major symptoms at this point - no diarrhea, BM 2-3 times per day, some blood (could also be from hemorrhoids though), some mucus, and some urgency but not often. No cramping lately and no pains.

I consider this a mild case and it's actually much better lately since i was doing the pentasa enemas up until yesterday plus am on the vsl3, mutaflor, and a gluten free diet. Not sure what's doing what lol, but I do feel better.

I asked the doc about 6mp and imuran, and he said that they would be too much for my current symptoms. He suggested steroid enemas for 6 weeks on a taper to get the mild flare under control, and then see what happens.

I am torn because i hate the way steroids make me feel - are the steroid enemas any different then prednasone? And should i do the enemas to try and get into remission and then use my current regime to try and maintain it? Or just stick to my current regime (less the pentasa) since my symptoms aren't too bad? Another option would be to do the pentasa enemas twice a week and deal with the headaches..

Any feedback is much appreciated, love you all

Hanz

I would definitely try the steroid enemas. They are the only steroid I've used for flares for the past 20+ years (since my initial 2 year attempt to taper off pred). If I'm really, really inflamed I get some side effects - a flushing face, some mood swings, maybe gain one or two pounds..... minor compared to actual pred. If I'm not as severely inflamed (and it sounds as if you're not so bad) I don't have any noticeable side effects. They also work for me, very quickly and efficiently.

I have used them on and off for 40 years with no side effects. The only issue at times is retaining them. If I can get passed the first 20 mins or so I am usually good for the whole night. They work pretty quick for me on the bleeding problems....I usually try and get some extra sleeping meds during a flare and take them first..Slowing down the systems aids in retaining. Back in the day a few totes on the funny looking cigs worked great too. But I had to get up and eat all night ....

Rod