Recently diagnosed with questions

Hi. I have been suffering with stomach issues for about 12 years. I had my 5th colonoscopy a little over a week ago and was diagnosed with ulcerative proctitis. My doctor started me on cortenemas twice daily for two weeks then once daily for two weeks. Since I have started the enemas, I have terrible heartburn (I wake up every night and sleep sitting up on the couch), swollen knees and have gained over 7 lbs all in my midsection. Is this normal? Has anyone else experienced this? I have not yet called my doctor because I was still trying to make the connection. I do feel like some of the issues have decreased since starting the meds, but I am still having a lot of cramping. Any helpful suggestions?

Thanks!

Since you've been on the steroid enemas twice daily for a week, gained weight, knee pain, etc...I'd say it's from the steroid.

Please call the doc anyway and suggest you would like to get off the steroid enemas and try mesalamine enemas. You won't get the side effects as you would from steroids.

Since you do have stomach issues already, it could be reflux. You could purchase Zantac and see if that helps you.

Another thing which seems to be connected to low in the rectum inflammation is stomach discomfort.

It seems you have a few things happening...bad timing, but if you do have reflux, it will be exacerbated from flaring as well as the steroids.

Keep us posted...

Welcome to the forum!
quincy

I just recently tapered from two hydrocort enemas to one. I started losing weight as soon as I tapered and have lost about 10 pounds over the last month and a half. My experience is the second steroid enema is enough to cause the steroid side effects. The other side effect I was suffering was acne on my legs of all places, that is slowly clearing up now too.