doctor called

Got results of my biopsies from last week's colonoscopy. He confirmed my diagnosis of ulcerative colitis affecting the rectum and "about half of the sigmoid," to a total of 18 cm. He said the inflammation is mild to moderate.

I told him I was doing well on the meds he prescribed, which are Asacol and Canasa. He said if I continue without symptoms, I can stop taking the Canasa after two months or so. The Asacol should be continued for longer, but he left the door open that I would discontinue it eventually.

The thing is, I'm not sure I want to get off the medications. Wouldn't it be better to keep Canasa around for maintenance on a once- or twice-a-week schedule? I wasn't thrilled with the idea of a suppository at first, but now that I'm used to it, it doesn't really bother me. And wouldn't it be good to continue Asacol at least on a lower dosage?

I was just diagnosed in July 2010 with mild UC up to 30 cm. My doc weened me off my enema too soon and I flared again. Been flaring since 10/15. Now I have a new doc and switched meds completely from Asacol & Mesalamine enema to Apriso and 14 days of a hyrdrocortisone enema as the previous combo was not as effective as the first time!

The problem with maintenance meds is they stop working over time. It will be different for different people but I'm learning how bossy UC can be without them! You put all that work into getting out of a flare and can easily go back in. Not just because of the meds but there are other stress factors involved too. We can only do so much to control our stress levels.

You just need to find a balance between taking the drugs at a low enough level to keep you in remission and not go into a flare. It's a delicate process and the best way is to taper slowly for several weeks and monitor how you're doing.

It's a good idea to keep some extra meds on hand just in case. Talk it over with your doc, but remember YOU need to feel comfortable with the choice. Sometimes it just the doc's best guess.

It's good to know that when used properly the maintenance meds can last indefinitely. It would make me worry a lot to believe that they will eventually fail.