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Newly diagnosed- asacol?

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Ulcerative Colitis
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Posted 5/3/2011 11:13 AM (GMT 0)
Hi all! I am 26 years old and had my colonoscopy yesterday after a long time battle with what I thought was a sensitive stomach. rolleyes The doctor came in and annouced they found the "root of the problem! colitis!" She also took samples to rule out other things, but she feels confident. She started me on Asacol, three times a day. Has anyone used this? Sorry if this is thoroughly discussed somewhere else! :) Thanks!

Marilee
Posted 5/3/2011 11:33 AM (GMT 0)
Hi - I am sorry for your diagnosis, but welcome to the forum!

Asacol is a standard medication, one of the safest you can take (as with anything, there are some folks who are allergic or sensitive, but for many, it's fine.)
I've been on it for about 18 years, since it was pretty new - and I was on sulfasalazine, its precursor, before that.
Asacol has its base in mesalamine; it's also referred to as a "5-ASA" med. So as you red through the forum, and see those terms, you'll understand that a lot of us are on Asacol-type meds!

Are you on 400/mg tablets,....? I'm thinking you're either on the 400, 2 of them, 3 times a day, or the 800 mg, one pill 3x a day....? (I take a handful - see my signature!)

Check out our sticky thread on resources at the top of the forum, and also look at ccfa.org for more info. The better educated you are, the better.

What have your symptoms been? I hope the Asacol works quickly for you!

Ask questions here; you'll get a lot of answers and you'll need to pick an choose what might help you best, for sure - but the answers will be good food for thought. I have learned so much here, myself.

Again, welcome!
Posted 5/3/2011 11:34 AM (GMT 0)
It is definitely a regular treatment route. With many many people having success. You can use the search option on here to find a wealth of info on Asacol and other 5ASA meds. Eventually if you respond well to Asacol, you can talk to your doc. as there are similar drugs that are once a day as opposed to 3x a day.. makes it easier!

Good luck getting things under control quickly.
Posted 5/3/2011 2:58 PM (GMT 0)
Asacol worked extremely well for me for over a year! I was in a solid remission and I started it while in a severe flare. I hope it works well for you!
Posted 5/3/2011 9:17 PM (GMT 0)
Thank you everyone for your responses! I know I am not alone in this, but sometimes it sure feels that way.

I am on 800mg 3x a day. I wasn't sure if this dose would keep up for a long time, as it seems like a lot to me. But, what do I know? :) My symptoms have been going on for years leading up to this: intense diarrhea, mucous/blood in stool, pain, and bloating. I'm glad to hear that Asacol is normal and works for so many people.

The doctor mentioned a high fiber diet, which I am nervous to try, but am willing to give it a shot. I will definitely read around the forums. Thanks again all!

-Marilee
Posted 5/3/2011 10:25 PM (GMT 0)
Hi Marilee -
I have trouble with food fiber while flaring, but I have taken fiber via Metamucil for years (like... 25 years.) My Gi had recommended it so I'd "never have o strain again" and .. that's true. Also it helps to add bulk to my stools, making them easier to pass.
There are a number of fiber products out there. My teeth don't meet that well to chew efficiently, so sometimes food fiber causes me discomfort.

If you start fiber, start with a small dose and plenty of water, then increase after a week or so.

I know it took me a while to get over the idea of "Having To Take Meds" but - other than that, the 5-ASA meds are pretty safe and are thought by some to decrease the long-term cancer risk of UC. So.... not so bad, eh?
My doc had told me that if I switched to the Asacol HD I'd be taking 4 a day, so... 3 isn't incredibly high. (But high enough to do some good!)
Some people lessen their dose when in remission... I leave it as it is.

Happy reading....! :-)
Posted 5/3/2011 11:57 PM (GMT 0)
Hope it starts working for you soon. It did me good. Don't be suprised if they adjust your dose. I've done 3, 800's, twice a day from the time I was started on them. Glad you finally found out what's going on so you can be properly treated.
Posted 5/4/2011 1:15 AM (GMT 0)
Another option is a 5-ASA enema, like Rowasa. I started getting really bad cramping and bloating with Asacol, and have not found this to be a problem with Rowasa. Just a thought if you start to have these side effects. Best of luck to you cool!
Posted 5/4/2011 2:34 AM (GMT 0)
weather or not they give you an enema depends on where the ulcerations are. typically it starts from the rectum and spreads to the entire colon. Mine hasn't gone pasty the left side. but rectal meds treat it well if you can handle the routine, some doctors do both oral and rectal since it doesn't hurt to treat it from both ends. just be sure and communicate everything with your doctor and do everything they tell you to do. never stop medicine without consulting your doc. this is a very serious life long disease and you have to pay close attention to your body. I ignored mine for too long and paid for it.
Posted 5/4/2011 3:28 AM (GMT 0)
Hello

I have been on asacol for about 5 years now since i have been 21, now im 26. Like everyone is saying its one of the safest meds to take, I like that they are easy to swallow. I do 3 ts/twice daily or on bad days 3 , 3 times daily. I have only had 1 flare since my diagnosis 5 years ago
Posted 5/4/2011 11:35 PM (GMT 0)
I've only had this news since Monday and I have already been up and down on the emotions so many times. I am amazed by everyone here who has known about it so long!!! Thanks again for all your responses, it TRULY makes a difference knowing I am not alone. So far I have had way less pain and number of movements since I started taking the meds. Just thinking happy thoughts and working on making myself as healthy as possible. :)
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