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Ulcerative Colitis
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Posted 3/15/2011 8:09 PM (GMT 0)
My last flare up was in January, and it was bad. I was out of work for a week. Doctor had me on Canasa and Sulfasalazine. I have gotten a bit better but not 100%. I still have bleeding after BM. In the mornings there is less bleeding than in the afternoon. This morning, I was ok. For lunch today I had salad with grilled chicken and when I felt like I had to go, but didn't, but there was blood.

No cramping, no diahrea, eating normally. I am taking Canasa on and off. Should I take the Canasa twice a day? Maybe I need to change my medications? I will be calling my doctor but wanted to run this by you guys.

Any suggestions are appreciated.
Posted 3/15/2011 8:18 PM (GMT 0)
If you can get on the retention enemas, that would be best.

In the meantime, you should use the supps at the very least twice a day.

Why were you only using them offr and on?

Sulfasalazine 500mg every few days isn't a treatment either.

q
Posted 3/15/2011 8:23 PM (GMT 0)
In January, when I was out for a week, I took the Canasa twice a day for the 10 days. When I started getting a bit better, I weaned off the Canasa.

I am assuming this is still a flare up from January? Without the lower back pain? In January, the lower back pain was so bad I could hardly walk. My doctor had x-rays done, and they came out fine. He said that you can get the lower back pain with a flare up.

Also, I never get cramping or diahrea. Just a bit of bleeding after the BM. Sometimes more, sometimes less.

I have not had a flare up like this since when I first got diagnosed with proctitis/colitis (when I was 49. I'm now 52).

Post Edited (Michelejc) : 3/15/2011 2:30:23 PM (GMT-6)

Posted 3/15/2011 9:16 PM (GMT 0)
I agree with all that quincy said. Why only every every couple days for the oral meds?

It is possible if you were using enemas, you may not need oral sulfasalazine. The enemas treat a larger area than suppositories. If Canasa 2x a day helped you a lot, i would think the enemas would put you into remission. It's worth a try in my opinion.
Posted 3/16/2011 6:30 PM (GMT 0)
Just got off the phone with the nurse in my Doctor's office. I'm an idiot!!! I should of never went off my Canasa in January after 10 days. Soooo, I'm back on Canasa twice a day. Also, the nurse said if my bleeding is very bright red, it's fresh which is good. She said that the darker it is, then it's a problem. I'm waiting for the doctor himself to call me.
Posted 3/16/2011 7:27 PM (GMT 0)
Hi Michelejc,

You mentioned in your post that you ate salad with grilled chicken, I have always found when I am bleeding that lettuce is a killer it actually makes me bleed more, maybe thats why they  call it  roughage.

Do you take MEtamucil at all?  It helps to bulk things up, absorb liquid in the colon and makes things easier to pass.

I also agree with everyone about the enemas they are definately a must if your having bleeding, and try to coat the applicator with vit e oil it helps the healing.

Posted 3/16/2011 7:30 PM (GMT 0)
and the oral 5ASA?? you need to be on one as well.  Did you ask about the retention enemas?

q

Posted 3/16/2011 7:59 PM (GMT 0)
When the doctor calls, I will ask about the enemas. Although, I must be honest. I don't think I can do enemas. I am cringing just typing this.

I will ask about the 5ASA too. And Metamucil. I have no diahhrea, no pain at all. When I push, that's when it's bright red.

puffed rice: I'm keeping note of all foods that I eat. It's really hard because sometimes I will eat something, and it will be ok and other times, it won't be ok.

Also, it's almost time for my period and i'm wondering if that makes other things worse than normal.
Posted 3/16/2011 8:03 PM (GMT 0)
I'm wondering if Slippery Elm Bark would work as good as Metomucil??
Posted 3/16/2011 9:30 PM (GMT 0)
I don't know about slippery elm bark but metamucil is beneficial for anyone with UC.  It is definately worth taking daily, as many of us here swear by it.
Posted 3/17/2011 1:06 PM (GMT 0)
Much better this morning. Took my Canasa last night and I had slippery elm bark so I figured I would try it. WOW!! Much better BMs and very very little blood.

I will be talking to my doctor today and will ask about Metamucil and enemas.

Thanks! Appreciate the input from everyone.

This disease can be very frustrating. It's not like a cold, where you take a pill and feel better. It's like an experiment. What works for some doesn't work for others. It can get confusing at times...
Posted 3/17/2011 1:58 PM (GMT 0)
Definitely confusing....but it would be good to get the enemas. Even if the doc says this is good enough..push for them.

Great you're having a better morning.
q
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