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Any tips for success with Rowasa?

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Ulcerative Colitis
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Posted 10/29/2012 9:59 PM (GMT 0)
Alright, so I called my gi today and they called in an RX for Rowasa.  Currently, I'm on generic colazal (x12 during a flare) and canasa, and I'm still having a little bleeding and mucus, and cramps that are really low and feel rectal--I think it's an urgent issue, then I get to the bathroom, and it's very unsatisfying if you know what I mean.  Like I'm not done, after all that cramping and pain.  Then it happens again and again until I guess I have a bm.  It's like it's happening in shifts.  Then, I can be fine for the rest of the day. No pain, nothing.  What the heck.  I have an appt. next week but in the mean time, it's Rowasa time.

Any advice to get the most out of this?  How do I best hold it in as long as possible?  Will it be coming out still the next day?  I have no problem doing this after using the canasa for so long, but I really want it to be successful.

Chinamom

Posted 10/29/2012 10:04 PM (GMT 0)
Taking it just before I fall asleep helps me. If I toss and turn much, I end up getting up to void it.

If you experience increased irritation or bleeding, consider the sulfate-free Rowasa. It is pricey though.
Posted 10/29/2012 10:37 PM (GMT 0)
I found that I would retain the enema overnight without a problem. And I ultimately found that using the enemas caused me to stop having any bowel movement. That was at the very end of my need for it, though. If you are still bleeding and passing mucous I doubt you would have that reaction.
Posted 10/30/2012 12:08 PM (GMT 0)
I had a hard time holding it in.  I used to do it at night, before bed.  I had a little better success with putting the bottle in hot water for a while before.  Having it at body temperature made it a little bit easier to hold in.  Mary
Posted 10/30/2012 12:15 PM (GMT 0)
Make sure to squeeze all of the air out of the tip of the bottle before you stick it up your bum. If you don't think you can hold the whole thing, it's fine to just use half. And RELAX. I think a lot of people get really worked up over it and it's honestly not a big deal. If you're all tense and worried it'll turn it into an ordeal, when it's not.
Posted 10/30/2012 1:02 PM (GMT 0)
Try taking the enema at a different time of the day, if night isn't the best for you (i.e. you toss and turn and having the enema in makes you more uncomfortable). I've had success taking the enemas after my last morning poop (after your last poop is often a good time to take them as you are empty). If you take the enemas early then the medicine will be in your system much longer then if taken at night right before bed.

If you are having trouble holding in the entire contents of the enema and it is expelled right away: Try administering half of the enema 1st, wait 10-15 minutes for it to be absorbed, and then take the rest of the enema.

Try alternating between the two positions for administering the enema, if one works better for you then stick with it.

Certainly, getting the enema up to your body temperature helps, I put my bottle in my arm pit for a few minutes prior to warm it up.
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