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Ulcerative Colitis
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Posted 10/24/2013 10:39 PM (GMT 0)
I broke down today and had the GI call in a prescription for Canasa. Not ready to take on enemas yet. Baby steps please. I had been hoping that the prednisone would put me into a total and complete remission but it doesn't look like it is going to happen (very surprised on that) so we are adding something to the mix. The prednisone has improved my condition considerably but not thrown me into that remission I had been hoping for. Amazingly, I have had zero side effects from the pred so far. I feel like I could take it forever, but I know I can't and refuse to. I thought Canasa was a once per day thing at bedtime but when I picked up the prescription it was for one, two times daily. Didn't really say when. I was worried about using it at bedtime because I seem to run to the bathroom several times at bedtime and throughout the night, almost always being nothing but clear gas. Don't even have to wipe. Is this going to make it difficult to use Canasa at bedtime or should I use it at my better times of the day? I'm thinking about just using it once per day instead of twice per day. Any thoughts greatly appreciated but am holding off on enemas for now.
Posted 10/24/2013 11:06 PM (GMT 0)
I would pick you least gassy time of day
Posted 10/24/2013 11:13 PM (GMT 0)
I, too am a middle of the night pooer. My GI was quite aware of this when he prescribed Canasa to me, but told me take it at bedtime anyway. I only have to take it 1x a night.

I think he was afraid that I would have too much mesalamine at once if I took it after my morning Lialda dosage which is why I take it at bedtime. The most difficult part (At least for me) was keeping the suppository in. I found a lttle secret that has worked. After I insert it, I lie flat on my back, knees bent, similar to doing a situp. I hold this position for about 5 minutes and the urge to pass the suppository goes away.

I've been on Canasa for about 2 months now, I have noticed a difference. No D or blood, just mushy stools that are sometimes hard to pass. I still have the middle of the night poos, but not as frequently and not as much urgency.

Good luck!
Posted 10/25/2013 12:05 AM (GMT 0)
Hi Gary,
I would def. use it the time of day that is the least active. This way it could stay in longer and do some good. Personally, I would try to use in twice a day and see how it goes. Just know than if you decide on once and it isn't in too long, than you can always use a second one at another time that day.

I really hope this helps you. If it is due to inflammation at the bottom, it should help. If you are really anti enemas and want another option....there is always Cortifoam, which is easy to hold in as the foam is lightweight. Anyway, I won't push, I know baby steps. Good luck and let us know how it goes!
B
Posted 10/25/2013 1:56 AM (GMT 0)
Is cortifoam available in the US? I didn't think any of those rectal foams were. If I did "ememas" I would prefer to use the foam but then again, I read that the foams seem to cause people problems and irritation.
Posted 10/25/2013 2:02 AM (GMT 0)
baby steps...bwahahaha.

keep us posted.

Use it during your most less gut-active time...but whatever you do, don't fart unless you're on the toilet. You won't feel it coming out, even if you think it's dry..it's not.

Mesalamine foams aren't in North America....
I'd start with the mesalamine enemas..and they're not so hard to retain. You can do it Gary...go for it!

But, you could consider cortifoam for 2 weeks and then get on the mesalamine right afterward. Pentasa has more liquid than the Rowasa or generic.

q
Posted 10/25/2013 2:43 AM (GMT 0)
Yes cortifoam is available in the US. I have cortifoam and proctofoam . Cortifoam works better for me.
Posted 10/25/2013 12:50 PM (GMT 0)
I recommend you warm up the suppository a bit before insertion, it makes it much less unpleasant. I was using the canasa in the morning so I would put it in my front pocket before I left for work and then use it when I got there. But, if it gets too warm it can be messy and difficult to get in.
Posted 10/25/2013 12:59 PM (GMT 0)
As others said, yes Cortifoam is available in the US and is very easy to use and retain. I would start w/ mesalamine though. Good luck Gary!
Posted 10/25/2013 1:52 PM (GMT 0)
Went for it last night. It actually made an amazing difference. Had trouble falling asleep though, but I was having trouble with that anyway.
Posted 10/25/2013 2:04 PM (GMT 0)
duh !

way to go looville man !
Posted 10/25/2013 2:18 PM (GMT 0)
gary, canasa has been very helpful for me. in my opinion, it's way easier to use and retain than an enema. On the other hand, it can be impossible to retain if you're going to the bathroom frequently. As some others said, sometimes cortifoam can be helpful for those circumstances. That's very easy to retain because it sort of dissolves - I used it while I was on prednisone. I've used canasa 2x a day, if you think you can retain it, it's not a bad idea.

welp, it sounds like you're already finding a schedule that works for you. i hope you're in remission very soon. i continue to use canasa for maintenance, not every night but every other or ever 2 nights... it's not a bad item to have in the uc arsenal. I also warm mine before inserting. If you put the tip under hot water for a few seconds, it helps (I learned that from Q)
Posted 10/25/2013 5:03 PM (GMT 0)
I inserted it at 10:45 last night and it never did come out. My night and morning went much, much better than usual. I'm going to try it every night, just that one time per day. As prescribed for two times per day the cost to me was $672 for a two week supply. Ouch. That's one reason I am only taking it once per day instead of two. My Lialda is also costing me $470 per month. My insurance requires me to pay 100% of the costs, after the insurance discount, up to my family deductible of $6000. Once my deductible is met, which is now coming up quickly, every single thing I do in network is free the rest of the year - no copays or anything. Just free.
Posted 10/25/2013 6:20 PM (GMT 0)
I am glad to see it working so quickly for you! I wanted to mention that I get my Canasa for $220 for three months worth from Canada. (using one per day) Unless of course you want to get to your deductible quickly :)
Posted 10/25/2013 6:26 PM (GMT 0)
Yes, the deductible can be a killer just getting there...we have the same here in my province/country with pharmacare. It does depend on what insurance company one has as well to recoup some of the deductible expense.

Just a bit of water helps the slip quality...but too much can slip the whole thing out of your fingers...so just the tip is good.

Nice to hear you tried it....next will be the enemas...woohoo! you're in the wagon now.

q
Posted 10/25/2013 10:39 PM (GMT 0)
Did you check to see if you can get help paying:
/www.altsampling.com/9068051_canasa/CanasaRegistration.aspx?param=Y

I ordered from Canada when it was too expensive for me but I can see in your case of meeting the deductible, ordering from Canada would just cause you to pay out and never hit the deductible. I think I pay $40 for canasa with my insurance and copay assist.
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