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Hydrocort enemas.. so far, wow

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Ulcerative Colitis
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Posted 1/7/2013 6:35 AM (GMT 0)
So I just inserted the third enema.. Ive been prescribed to use them 2x daily. The first burned and was very difficult to retain, but seemed to show almost instant improvement. I guess my inflammation really is lower down that it was.

Second one burned, but not as bad. Didnt expel, or even use the bathroom for 15 hours...

just inserted the third and no pain practically at all...

I just hope it doesnt suddenly turn 180 or become something Im dependent on.
Posted 1/7/2013 8:09 AM (GMT 0)
Hi..you're using the steroid enemas twice a day now?

Good to hear you're able to retain them.

Are they liquid or foam?

q
Posted 1/7/2013 3:55 PM (GMT 0)
liquid
Posted 1/7/2013 4:04 PM (GMT 0)
The liquid cortenemas are super effective... about 10% of the hydrocortisone is absorbed systemically (not just topically) so even if your inflammation is higher than where the enema reaches, it's also like taking a small dose of oral prednisone (my GI says it's the equivalent of about 10mg oral pred). That's why they need to be tapered just like oral pred if you use them for longer than the standard 21 day course.
Posted 1/7/2013 4:27 PM (GMT 0)
Im already 'tapering' to once per evening....
Posted 1/7/2013 8:12 PM (GMT 0)
I'd suggest you try alternating with the mesalamine...do you have any?

q
Posted 1/7/2013 8:28 PM (GMT 0)
Yeah, I did that. I was on Hydrocortisone 2X a day, bleeding stopped and as I introduced mesalamine once and Hydrocosrtinsone once, bleeding came back in 2 days !!

You will be lucky if this doesn't happen to you. Be careful when you taper it down.
Posted 1/7/2013 8:44 PM (GMT 0)
I never had much luck with mesalamine enamas. I already take it orally, if i can quell this inflammation it should slow things down and let the asacol work even better.... No intention of doing anything but the hydrocort once per day and the oral asacol..... I REALLY hope this leads to remission... Prettu huge change in just 2 days.
Posted 1/8/2013 6:27 AM (GMT 0)
sounds good....but maybe it would be worth to still try the mesalamine enemas once you're stable from the steroid..and see if you can use them again.

If you can't, maybe a lower dosage of the steroid enemas eventually tapered to a maintenance.

There are a few options for that as well....

q
Posted 1/8/2013 7:10 AM (GMT 0)
When I had my second colonoscopy to check for where the inflammation and disease still was, it happened to be in my lower portion of my colon. Therefore, my doctor prescribed me Hydrocortisone Enemas like yourself, and you're right, wow!!! They took care of my inflammation and pain right away! I've been off of them for a couple of months now and I have remained in almost a symptom free remission with just some urgency. Good luck!
Posted 1/8/2013 7:25 AM (GMT 0)
^^ just some urgency means you still need the rectal meds.

q
Posted 1/8/2013 1:15 PM (GMT 0)
Yes, these are little miracles in a bottle aren't they? :) I respond quickly to them as well. The only problem I had with them is that I was on them for almost a year (I couldn't taper off without flaring, subsequently started on 6mp) and I started getting the typical side effects found with pred (moon face, mood changes etc). They also made me more sensitive to any type of steroid.

I hope you continue to improve :)
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