HealingWell
Search Close Search
☰

UC, mesalamine and imodium

Support Forums
>
Ulcerative Colitis
✚ New Topic ✚ Reply
❬ ❬ Previous Thread |Next Thread ❭ ❭
Posted 6/14/2010 5:38 PM (GMT 0)
I was diagnosed with moderate left sided colitis last week. My doctor prescribed me mesalamine enema every morning for 28 days and hydrocortisone enema every night for 28 days. In addition to the two enemas, I also am taking 3 lialda tablets every morning. The hydro paperwork said to take imodium to help retain the suspension so I have been taking 2 every morning. I take the enemas in the bathroom for privacy and then immediatley go to my bed and lie down for either an hour in the morning or all night.

I've been on the medicine for 6 days now and am not sure if things are working and am wondering if my procedures are even acceptable. My bowel movements at first seem like the blood/mucous mix that I experienced during this flare. After reading some posts here, I seem to think that maybe they are white/tan and not blood. So I think I'm ok there. The rest of the bowel movement has some form but is real wet. I'm also experiencing a lot of gas that is hard to pass without the fear of spraying my medicine all over the place.

I guess I'm looking for thoughts or ideas about my situation and procedures.

Post Edited (Ragnar0k) : 6/14/2010 12:34:21 PM (GMT-6)

Posted 6/14/2010 7:05 PM (GMT 0)
I would definitely give it more time. 6 days is just getting started. Dont get frustrated. Mesalamines can change bowel color too so dont let that worry you. Oh and enemas can cause gas and as with all of us UCers passing gas anywhere but on a potty is not usually a good idea.
Posted 6/14/2010 7:32 PM (GMT 0)
I would suggest you change the steroid enema to the morning and the 5ASA to the night if the 5ASA is causing you more gas in the morning.

I don't think I'd use the imodium....but don't continue taking it once you start improving and can retain the morning enema well.

Where exactly is your UC....throughout or limited?

The white coloured stuff is the enema mixed with whatever...don't worry or focus too much on that aspect.

When do you go back to the GI?

Welcome to the forum...
quincy
Posted 6/14/2010 7:36 PM (GMT 0)
Also, though you didn't mention it being an issue for you, another good reason for quincy's advice to switch the steroid enema to the morning is that it can cause insomnia.
Posted 6/14/2010 7:37 PM (GMT 0)
Oh, interesting......good point.

q
Posted 6/14/2010 7:47 PM (GMT 0)
My UC is on the left side only. The doctor told me he wanted to see me in eight weeks but also told me to only use the meds for a month. Maybe the propofol caused me to miss something because I think I'm supposed to taper off the meds so I'll need to talk to him soon.

Thanks for the advice. If I have problems sleeping, I'll swap. I usually sleep like a baby so I should be good. Do either of you think the enema is less effective by walking to the bed immediately after taking it?
Posted 6/14/2010 7:49 PM (GMT 0)
No....it won't affect the efficiency of it. Walking afterward could cause some cramping or need to expel it...otherwise, congratulations to being able to retain them. You're already a pro!!

The enemas should be tapered, and hopefully...HOPEFULLY...the doc will take you off the steroid enema and then have you continue with the 5ASA. That's another reason I think you should be on the 5ASA at night rather than switching....the steroid could just be tapered quickly or stopped and have you continue with the 5ASA.


I'm really impressed with your doc that you're on both oral/rectal meds.





q
Posted 6/14/2010 8:35 PM (GMT 0)
After 4 weeks on the Hydrocortisone enemas, it's better if you taper them, so definitely call your doctor and ask about that! I think by 4 weeks you will definitely know whether that combo of drugs is going to help your flare. The 5 ASA drugs as the others have said are generally continued after flares at a lower maintenance dose, so, be sure to ask your doctor about that as well.
Posted 6/14/2010 8:40 PM (GMT 0)
Welcome - sounds like you're doing all the right things! When you do improve and can stop the steroid enemas, they will need to be tapered and not just stopped cold turkey - sounds as if your doc is knowledgeable about rectal meds, so hopefully he'll tell you that.

I do them in my bed, and I've done them under covers in a multi-sleeper dorm-type (camp) situation, on a sleeper chair when staying overnight with my then young son in the hospital......I do find that, when I'm really inflamed, they feel more comfortable in those first few minutes after administration if I don't talk and stay absolutely still. We all find our own tricks and tips! (Also, I've used steroid enemas a LOT, and they've never caused me insomnia..... we're all different in how we react.)
✚ New Topic ✚ Reply