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Question regarding symptoms of rectal inflammation

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Ulcerative Colitis
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Posted 6/5/2014 1:06 PM (GMT 0)
This is my first post on this forum and even though I've had Ulcerative Colitis for 5 years, there is still a lot I do not yet know. For example, although I'm considered to have left sided UC, does the colon heal at the same rate or is the rectum the last to heal sometimes? I'm bloated and cramping only in my lower abdomen area currently and I've been on lialda, fish oil, and probiotics for 10 weeks now. I've had bad days and good days during this flare up but right now it seems that there is more inflammation and bleeding than usual but like I said, only in the lower abdomen area.

Would a rectal suppository such as canasa be effective in the healing process since its so localized (I think) and if so, which do you prefer? Canasa or Rowasa?

Thanks!
Posted 6/5/2014 1:23 PM (GMT 0)
No, inflammation doesn't heal equally throughout the large intestine at the same pace. Yes, rectal inflammation is the last to heal, and it can indeed be very stubborn.
Posted 6/5/2014 1:40 PM (GMT 0)
And yes, you should get Rowasa. The 4g retention enema covers a lot more ground than the little suppository. Plus, there are generics for the enema that will keep your costs down. There are no generics for Canasa.
Posted 6/5/2014 1:47 PM (GMT 0)
Hi Jgars21,

Welcome to the forum! I also have left-sided UC and started mesalamine enemas a few days ago. They have reduced the bleeding a ton (I went from a lot of blood to almost none at all in two days), so I am a big fan of them. I use the restroom, put lubricant on the tip of the bottle, take the enema right before bed and lay on my left side until I fall asleep. I don't normally sleep in that position but it helps if you can lay like that as long as you can and hold the enema in as long as you can. I usually wake up in the middle of the night to pee, so I can hold it for roughly 4 hours and it works great for me. The enemas reach inflammation higher than the suppositories and I heard that Canasa is very expensive.
Posted 6/5/2014 2:07 PM (GMT 0)
Oh okay very interesting. So It seems after more research that rowasa is the way to go for me.

Also, are there any specific symptoms for where the inflammation is? Like for example, if my whole left side is inflamed I suppose I am more likely to experience diarrhea on top of the other symptoms? Where as just rectal inflammation will more likely cause me to experience just bloody stools and urgency? Or is it completely possible to experience diarrhea even with just rectal inflammation?
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