HealingWell
Search Close Search
☰

Ulcerative Colitis flare for 5 months, help

Support Forums
>
Ulcerative Colitis
✚ New Topic ✚ Reply
❬ ❬ Previous Thread |Next Thread ❭ ❭
Posted 10/26/2014 8:23 PM (GMT 0)
Hello all! I'm new to this forum and just need some advice. I was diagnosed with this disease in 2011 after my divorce. I was put on canasa only because the disease is only in my rectum and the canasa had worked well until this summer. My doctor has placed me on lialda, and another suppository anucort, and I've been struggling through this for months since April/May (blood and mucus)! Finally I just lost it the other day and demanded another colonoscopy (even though the one I had last Dec came back fine). I could be over reacting but I'm very concerned and scared, any suggestions? The Internet has you thinking the worst :(
Posted 10/26/2014 8:35 PM (GMT 0)
Another part I forgot to mention, I've also struggled with rectal pain this episode..that is a new symptom.
Posted 10/26/2014 8:55 PM (GMT 0)
If you are lucky, the inflammation will still be confined to the rectum. I think another scope is a good idea, but maybe you could opt for a sigmoidoscopy instead? May be easier on you.

Instead of a suppository, you may want to ask about an enema or if you cant handle those, a foam preparation (like cortifoam).

Unfortunately, rectal inflammation seems to be the most stubborn, and if these dont work, you can either look into a stronger enema preparation (say prednisolone enemas) or a stronger systemic medication (like azathioprine)
Posted 10/26/2014 9:05 PM (GMT 0)
Thank you, thank you! I'll look into changes of meds ASAP, the colonoscopy is already scheduled for the 3rd of Nov. So I'll keep you posted on how I proceed. Thank you for your response and suggestions, I'm beyond worried at this point.
Posted 10/27/2014 12:37 AM (GMT 0)
I agree. I think you need a flex sig...not the whole scope. You won't have to do the whole prep just an enema.

I would also try to stick to the class of drug you are in...mesalamines and maybe switch to enemas if canasa isn't doing it.
Posted 10/27/2014 12:55 AM (GMT 0)
Yes the suppositories are no longer working, for a few days I'll have seemingly ok bowel movements then the next day will be loose with tons of mucus and blood. I know I'm frustrated because normally my episodes don't last long, so this has been going on since the summer. I definetly agree that some changes to the meds need to happen ASAP. Thanks for your input, I'm just joining and appreciate the support.
Posted 10/27/2014 1:05 AM (GMT 0)
Were you using the canasa continuously since 2011?
Posted 10/27/2014 2:11 AM (GMT 0)
No only when I had a flare up, which since 2011 I've only had like one or two and literally wouldn't have to stay canasa long it would clear it right up. Now nothing is clearing this up. Now I've been on all three canasa, Anucort, lialda since April/May.
Posted 10/27/2014 2:50 AM (GMT 0)
Unfortunately, UC requires meds/treatment even when in remission. These meds are intended to help maintain our remission. By not taking meds, we run the risk of more frequent & severe flares which become harder to treat. Therefore, the drugs that worked before may not work anymore hence requiring stronger drugs. We also run the risk of the disease progressing. This has happened to me and I now vigilantly take both oral and rectal meds daily. I think it is good you are having the colonoscopy to see if your involvement has progressed beyond the rectum. You may have to be willing to take stronger drugs (pred or another type of immunosuppressive) to get this flare under contro.
Posted 10/27/2014 3:09 AM (GMT 0)
Now I understand, guess I messed myself up by only using during brief flare ups and now I'm paying for it. :( thanks for your advice, clearly now my GI needs to take a loom and I need to be on stronger drugs at this point, hopefully it's still only in the rectum.
Posted 10/27/2014 3:22 AM (GMT 0)
Well if your GI didn't advise you of this it was his mess up. But, I honestly hated using rectals daily in the beginning and didn't understand early on how insidious this disease is. I tried going off them too and also paid the price. So I totally get not wanting to take the meds all the time. But I paid BADLY so now I don't mind taking my meds at all because I just want to be well. Hope everything goes good with your colonoscopy and that you feel better soon.
Posted 10/27/2014 3:56 AM (GMT 0)
Well, the scoping may show inflammation has progressed. Lialda is prescribed for inflammation anywhere in the colon. So you already have that med.

The next level may be necessary, but that is either 6mp type of immunosuppressant or one of the biologics. There can be side effects, and biologics are crazy expensive.

You might be able to do a course of oral prednisone to tame the flare, and then manage it with Lialda. Meanwhile read up on the stronger drugs.
Posted 10/27/2014 2:59 PM (GMT 0)
This is def in part my fault on the lack of knowledge I had on the disease and since it was so manageable in the begginning I guess I was blind to the fact of it getting worst. Now I'm in the middle of my worst flare up since the summer :( thanks for all the advice guys!
✚ New Topic ✚ Reply