HealingWell
Search Close Search
☰

Remission

Support Forums
>
Ulcerative Colitis
✚ New Topic ✚ Reply
❬ ❬ Previous Thread |Next Thread ❭ ❭
Posted 10/19/2010 8:08 PM (GMT 0)
I've been in remission for almost two months now thanks to Rowassa. I'm just wondering what to do as far as maintenance. I can't take Lialda or Asacol, because they make me worse. I've just been doing the enemas once a week. How far apart can I go with doing the enemas? I'm getting tired of doing them, but I know I have to be on something even if I do feel good. That thought is getting hard to keep in my head though.
Posted 10/19/2010 10:43 PM (GMT 0)
I can't imagine that once a week would be enough. The lowest I think I'd go is twice weekly.

Good that you're in remission.!
Posted 10/19/2010 11:10 PM (GMT 0)
I believe if I could tolerate Rowasa I would try twice a week.  My doctor said because I have to use steroid enemas/Cortifoam or suppositories I should use them during remission when I have symptoms coming on - for about 2 or 3 days.  I was doing them every weekend - Cortifoam one night and suppositories the next but he does not recommend steroids for maintenance.  I am just taking my chances but haven't had to use anything for about a month now - just Imodium and/or Pepto Bismal when needed.

ElaineNY

Posted 10/20/2010 1:55 PM (GMT 0)

where is your colitis located?

if I couldnt take anything oral, then I think i would at least do them 2x a week, not in a row, but for example, 3 days no enema, then next day enema, then 3 days none, then next day enema, etc.  spread it out like that.

Posted 10/20/2010 3:00 PM (GMT 0)
My colitis is located on the left side. I was doing the twice a week thing like you said, but then I started to get lazy :/
Posted 10/20/2010 3:16 PM (GMT 0)

maybe someone else can answer this, but i dont know if the rowasa goes as far as the left side, i think you need orals for that.

I completely understand about not wanting to do the enemas when you are feeling well, especially since you are only 20!  However, you need some sort of maintenence drug.  I remember reading about an alternative supplemt that some people were taking that worked like asacol.  i think it was boswellia or bee propolis, ??? i'm not sure, but that might be worth looking into.

if you start getting lazy and forget to do the rowasa, at the first hint of trouble i would get back on them nightly.

also, adding a probiotic may be a good idea too!

Posted 10/20/2010 3:44 PM (GMT 0)
I agree on the maintenance - I can't do it because I can't tolerate the mesalamines - and doctors (mine, at least - 3 of them) agree that steroid rectal meds should not be for maintenance BUT I use them at the first sign of a flare even if it might be my IBS or ?

I started on Rowasa but made things worse but doctor told me it would reach up left color a little - mine is about 30 cm. when flaring.  However, oral medication is important too if you can take it.  I was given Colozal which they said would be best for left side - could not tolerate that either.  Maybe you could.

ElaineNY

✚ New Topic ✚ Reply