Asacol Advice

You could do that if you wanted to but if you took 3 800mgs twice per day and it worked to put you into remission last time then why wouldn't you want to just do the same thing again? If you are lucky enough to reach remission again you need to remember to take your pills at all times, even if you have felt absolutely perfect for 25 years (or more)! If you fail to do this your UC is pretty much guaranteed to come back and often what worked before won't work again so you would then be looking at steroids, immune suppressant meds, biologics, or surgery. UC waits in the dark behind the bushes for you to make a mistake because you have let your guard down and then it attacks. Don't let that happen again. UC is the devil and it loves it when you let your guard down because you have been feeling better.

Thanks everyone. Yes, I know skipping/missing doses was not a smart thing to do. I've always been terrible at remembering to take meds and have never had to take anything long term like this before. I am working on that and have learnt the hard way.

I've been reluctant to do the 3 800 x twice/day again because of the severe Edema and itwas really painful.

As for my GI, wasn't going to get into it here but since you asked:
1. When I was 1st diagnosed I asked if I should change/modify my diet and was told that diet played absolutely no role in triggering or controlling the disease. I know differently now, keep in mind I hadn't really even heard of UC prior to being diagnosed.
2. Every time I react to a medication my GI tells me to call/see my family doctor. So I get zero support. When I reacted with the edema my GI said it was absolutely not a symptom of asacol and again told me to see my family doctor. If my GI had taken 2mins to check the medication side effects he would have seen edema listed. Even my family doc found this concerning. He also was fine with my family doc recommending a change in dose-I went down to 2 800gr x 2/day.
3. EVERY time I have an appt removing my colon as a cure and the risk of cancer is brought up. I don't think either are appropriate evey time. He talked a out removing my colon 5 mins after doing a flex sig and diagnosing me with UC. And keep in mind he said I have a mild to moderate case.
4. My last appt was literally 5 mins as he rushed me through. Asking me questions but not really listening to my answers. And I was in this flare at the time-so no real concern.

I am an informed patient and I ask educated questions and try to advocate for my health. My feeling is he does not like this and as such, plus the reasons above we are not the right fit.