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Stopped taking Asacol...feeling much better!

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Ulcerative Colitis
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Posted 5/6/2013 7:19 PM (GMT 0)
So, I was taking Asacol; six pills a day and all at once. 

Since it was discontinued my doctor put me on Pentasa (sorry, I originally thought it was Apriso!) The last couple of weeks, I haven't been feeling so great, but since I still had Asacol I continued to take it. On Friday, I knew I was in a flare so I decided to try the Pentasa starting that night.

I take two 500 mg pills three times a day. I have to thank Warner Chilcott for taking Asacol off the market....because I didn't realize how crappy I've been feeling until today.

I feel amazing -- no more pain or urgency. I suppose I just put up with feeling that bad and never realizing just how bad I felt...until I felt good again, lol. Does that make sense?

Anyway, for those who have not decided on a med to replace Asacol, you might consider Pentasa. Plus, my insurance company covered it...not cheap, but I'm thinking it's worth it!

 

Posted 5/6/2013 7:21 PM (GMT 0)
Glad you are feeling better.

Isn't pentasa used for crohns? I always considered taking it.
Posted 5/6/2013 7:26 PM (GMT 0)
Thanks StealthGuardian! Yes, Pentasa is also used for Crohn's.
Posted 5/6/2013 8:58 PM (GMT 0)
Glad your feeling better!!
Posted 5/6/2013 9:43 PM (GMT 0)
where's your inflammation?
Posted 5/6/2013 9:47 PM (GMT 0)
Right side -- healed pretty well with Remicade but sometimes get a little flare up. I seriously think I was flaring for a while -- no blood or mucous, but skinny stool or soft and then started going often. This morning was an actual regular stool, and as I said, feeling pretty well so I think this Pentasa nipped it in the bud.  
Posted 5/6/2013 9:47 PM (GMT 0)
By right, do you mean ascending colon or terminal ileum?
Posted 5/6/2013 9:52 PM (GMT 0)
I'm not really sure I remember -- I'll have to read up from my last scope back in 2010. All I remember is the report saying right sided ulcerative colitis.
Posted 5/6/2013 11:05 PM (GMT 0)
Wow Lonie, that is awesome!
Posted 5/6/2013 11:16 PM (GMT 0)
I'm switched from asacol to pentasa also. Lonie I didn't know you are in flare. Since when? Is that your first flare since remicade or ?
Posted 5/7/2013 12:55 AM (GMT 0)
Lonie, that's good news.

So glad to hear it. :-)

Posted 5/7/2013 1:12 PM (GMT 0)
Luna, I can't really say when I started feeling poorly...it just escalated on Friday. I've been moving, and work has been crazy, so I may not have paid enough attention or just put the looser stools to stress or food. I tend to do the "wait and see if it will go away" with almost any illness I have which isn't the best way to take care of yourself. Many times I'll just up my probiotic if I have a looser stool or the belly feels a little off and that seems to do the trick. If this Pentasa did not work, I was going to call the doc yesterday.

Yes, this is the first flare since I've been off of Remi, and that I've felt this bad. No blood or mucous, but plenty of urgency and on Friday...about 10 trips or more to the bathroom.

Good news is that stools are back to normal -- no more loose or urgency.

Thanks everyone!

Posted 5/7/2013 1:37 PM (GMT 0)
Stopped Asacol and feeling better?! Quincy doesn't agree with your assessment. You need to re-evaluate.
Posted 5/7/2013 8:49 PM (GMT 0)
Actually, that's not true Dude. I always suggest changing a dosage timing or trying another 5ASA....you're not keeping up with my posts. I'm aghast! :'0

q
Posted 5/7/2013 8:50 PM (GMT 0)
Ha, ha, ha!!
Posted 5/7/2013 8:52 PM (GMT 0)
Good to hear you're feeling better Carol. It could be that your ph wasn't according to the asacol "protocol".

Definitely keep us posted how you're doing.

q
Posted 5/7/2013 10:37 PM (GMT 0)
Lonie it's not that bad if there is no blood, mucos, and pain. Take Pentasa and probiotics, I keep my fingers crossed for you. When I was in flare, both times it was with blood and cramps, I never had mucos, maybe because my rectum is the least damaged, and 20 + trips to toilet...:( HOROR!!!!
Posted 5/7/2013 10:42 PM (GMT 0)
Thanks Quincy!

Hey Luna, I realize that the flare wasn't nearly as bad as others have it, but needless to say it was if I  had the flu, cramping, and urgency. No fun for sure, but I have to say it's like a weight being lifted off of me plus I'm having regular type movements now. No more d.

Posted 5/8/2013 10:14 PM (GMT 0)
Glad to read that Pentasa helps! Definitely keep after your symptoms. / Old Hat (32 yrs with left-sided UC; presently in remission taking brandname Colazal)
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