Rowasa Enema Effective for UC in Descending Colon?

Hi -   I'm new here, but not to UC. My first diagnosis came in 1995, following a sigmoidoscopy. The Dr. described ulcerative proctitis/UC. Symptoms have been well controlled with 5ASA's (typically Asacol) for most of the past ~20 years. Now it's Liadla, with less wonderful results.   Anyway, had a colonoscopy this week, where substantial inflammation in the descending colon was noted. During my last substantial flare I was given Rowasa enemas, which I believe were incredibly beneficial to inducing remission. Sadly I do not know where in my colon the inflammation was that time (different doctor in a different state, and I was not paying as much attention).   This brings me to my question. While still in the endoscopy center, I asked the Dr. about the effectiveness of Rowasa enemas given the location of the inflammation. He said there would be no benefit because the inflammation is too high in the colon.   This is a new Dr. to me, so he doesn't have my full faith yet, and I ask you instead; is Rowasa enema beneficial to treating inflammation in the descending colon, and not just the sigmoid colon? What's your experience?   Thanks.

If my recollection serves having UC in defending is same as left sided which I have. I know that Rowasa is effective for left sided and have been prescribed with same for a couple years by GI. My understanding is that it is the Canasa suppositories that don't travel up far enough and same for the foams. I would recheck the literature and ask your GI to confirm and provide more details.

I'm thinking it's a grey area...as in it could hit the lower descending but maybe not the upper descending? Definitely take kazbern's advice about laying on your left side. And it certainly doesn't hurt! At the very least you'll be keeping the rectal/sig inflammation at bay.

Rowasa never helped my descending colon issues; the dramatic improvement there came thanks to brandname Colazal. (Steroid retention enemas will usually heal descending colon inflammation by systemic effect if a UCer stays on them for 1-2 mo.) So if Lialda doesn't help you there, try Colazal or its generic (balsalazide). Their delivery to the colon is different from Lialda's. / Old Hat (33 yrs with left-sided UC; presently in remission taking brandname Colazal)