UC....Tapered off Apriso

I was diagnosed with UC after taking antibiotics for a cat bite.  I also had C-Diff.  I was on Asacol the first year and this past year have been on Apriso.  I have tried tapering off Apriso 3 times.  Each time, after about 10 days to two weeks, I start having problems with hemorrhoids and some bleeding.  Since my last colonoscopy was clear and showed no inflammation, biopsies were good etc. I decided to once again taper off.  Again, after 10 days, some blood on stool and paper and it feels like a hemorrhoid. ( My doc initially wanted me to stay on the meds and said I was in remission and should stay on.  She felt the bleeding could still be caused by UC in the lower rectum.)  However, since all of my tests were clear I wanted to try tapering off and hopefully staying off these meds!  I have no mucuous, no diarrhea, and stools are formed.  At this poing, I plan on waiting a few more weeks to see what will happen.  I really want to be off this medication as it causes extreme hair loss.  Ideas anyone??

Apriso and Asacol are both considered maintenance medications and can be taken longterm. You could try using something else for maintenance, like an enema or suppositories but using nothing sounds like it's not sufficient for keeping your condition in remission. Sorry.

You could try a steroid suppository. Those help hemmies and proctitis. Then, if that calms things, you can taper off. Really, considering you have UC, you should remain on something to prevent future flare ups.

Hair loss arises from just being very sick.