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Am I supposed to have my kidneys tested since I'm on Asacol?

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Posted 6/14/2011 1:32 AM (GMT 0)
As far as I know, my GI has never done this. I think I've heard OldHat and maybe some others here say your kidneys should be tested if on Asacol. I've been on Asacol since March 2007...wow, 4 years already! Seems like it has flown by. I'm going in to see him end of July. What test, if any, should I request? Thanks!
Posted 6/14/2011 1:44 AM (GMT 0)
Also, is it weird I'm actually a little excited to see my GI? haha. I have been living out of state and haven't seen him in a year and a half. He has been nice enough to refill my prescriptions over the phone.
Posted 6/14/2011 1:47 AM (GMT 0)
When I was on Asacol three years ago, my GI always made me get the urine test done every two weeks. He looked at the results to check if my BUN, UREA, Creatinine,etc lvls were normal.

I've heard that there are some people who found out that their kidneys were failing or functioning at lower lvl while being on Asacol.
Posted 6/14/2011 1:49 AM (GMT 0)
Do you know that I was on Asacol for YEARS and I have never had my urine checked???
Posted 6/14/2011 1:49 AM (GMT 0)
Wow, every two weeks? That seems extreme. I will definitely ask him about getting them tested.
Posted 6/14/2011 1:53 AM (GMT 0)
After started taking 12 pills of Asacol(I think it was the max dose), I told him that my urine color was darker than my usual color then that's what got it started.
Maybe it could be due to the other supplements that I was taking during that time like Creatine for weight training.
Posted 6/14/2011 1:54 AM (GMT 0)
Oh I see. Yeah, if you have dark urine, that can be an idicator for kidney problems. I'm also on the max or 12 a day. Thanks for the input!

Do you find the cardio to help your UC?

Posted 6/14/2011 1:55 AM (GMT 0)
You have enough health issues to deal with, Red. Maybe they didn't want to bother you with another test. ;)
Posted 6/14/2011 2:24 AM (GMT 0)

Sara14 said...
Oh I see. Yeah, if you have dark urine, that can be an idicator for kidney problems. I'm also on the max or 12 a day. Thanks for the input!


Do you find the cardio to help your UC?

It's doing a lot for me. I'm not a long distance runner, never have been, I suck at any cardio for my physique. Always been a sprinter/weight lifting type of athlete(short burst). I think my health also deteriorated after stopping cardio and focusing only on weight training in college. I have lower than 12% body fat so I thought avoiding cardio was okay.

Anyways, after doing it consistently for at least two weeks, my abdominal pain has gone down so much. And I've tapered prednisone from 60mg to 30mg in three weeks without any thyroid problems according to blood work results. 1-2BMs now. No mucous/blood. Tweaked my diet a bit too. I must be doing SOMETHING right since everything has gotten better and was worse at the hospital with IV steroids.(stool test for infection was also negative)
Start slowly and gradually move up. It sounds really cliche but consistency is the key.
Sorry this became too long lol.
Posted 6/14/2011 2:34 AM (GMT 0)
Cool. Glad it seems to be helping you! :) I used to do cardio kickboxing classes and some other cardio but haven't done much in the last few months. Just bought a new bike so am trying to get back into shape. I feel better overall when I exercise, more energy, etc.
Posted 6/14/2011 3:06 AM (GMT 0)
My gastro orders a complete urinalysis twice yearly for IBDers taking mesalamine meds. Beth75 has explained the reason for this in her posts about Minimal change disorder, when the kidneys leak protein. / Old Hat (30 yrs with left-sided UC; presently in remission taking brandname Colazal)
Posted 6/14/2011 3:07 AM (GMT 0)
Thanks, Old Hat!
Posted 6/14/2011 7:26 AM (GMT 0)
I get mine checked twice a year as well...creatinine for sure, but I don't think urea each time. Guess I best check..lol.

All regarding kidneys has been fine so far.

q
Posted 6/14/2011 8:54 AM (GMT 0)
Complete blood hemoleucogramme (if this is how you spell it) Seric Ureea - BUN, Creatinine, sediments, are to be checked 4 times a year when using mesalasine. Fist they are to be checked 1 time a month for the first 3 monts, then 4 times a year.

at least this is what is written on my salofalk prospect.
Posted 6/14/2011 11:51 AM (GMT 0)
LOL but what's ANOTHER test??? This one is a breeze....pee in a cup and bam! Over with :) But I sometimes wonder, for a short while I had microscopic blood in my urine if it was possibly due to my years of being on a mesalamine. It has resolved so I didn't pursue it.
Posted 6/17/2011 12:58 AM (GMT 0)
LOL. Yes, Red...This is probably the easiest test of them all. I also don't mind getting blood taken at all now. I will definitely ask my gastro to test me at my July appt. Kind of concerned why he never has.
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