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Rowasa next morning

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Ulcerative Colitis
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Posted 10/14/2015 8:23 PM (GMT 0)
What are your bm's like the next morning after you use rowasa? I'm trying to figure out if what I have is normal or I'm sensitive to it.

Usually enema residue comes out first. Then a loose bm with enema on it. If I go again the stool is normal. During the night I'm usually pretty gassy from it and my gut rumbles.

This is weird to me because I used these regularly prior to my second pregnancy and I had a normal bm the next day with no other issues. Maybe with a little enema mixed in. But not on top or just by itself.
Posted 10/14/2015 9:47 PM (GMT 0)
In case of "sensitivity", you will feel discomfort (such as burning, aching) after instilling Rowasa. The way it comes out next morning can vary, though bm tends to be pretty solid near remission. So don't freak out if you see some variation in proportion of liquid vs. stool from day to day. Hydrocortisone enemas will absorb totally even during a severe flare, but Rowasa takes a longer period of use to do that-- in general. / Old Hat (35 yrs with left-sided UC; presently in remission taking brandname Colazal)
Posted 10/14/2015 10:39 PM (GMT 0)
Rowasa will discolor your first poop, it might be white or tan. Sometimes I'd pass a little white/tan liquid. It sometimes made my first bm a little more urgent or soft. The rowasa liquid made me slightly more gassy after administering.
Posted 10/14/2015 10:47 PM (GMT 0)
Tips for using meslamine/rowasa enemas:
  • When you first start using enemas, use them in the bathroom very close to a toilet as they can come up very quick and unexpected. As you get better at them, and more confident, you can administer them in bed.
  • Add extra Vaseline (petroleum jelly) to the tip of the enema.
  • Warm the enema up to body temperature before administering. Put it in a pocket for a while before using, or warm it up under an armpit.
  • Squeeze all of the air out of the bottle before administering. You do not want to inject any air into your bowel as it will both be uncomfortable and make it likely you will need to urgently evacuate the enema fluid.
  • Lay an old towel down as any drips of the enema fluid can stain clothing, carpet, etc.
  • Use one of the positions described in the instructions.
  • Administer the enema slowly, too quickly and you will be less successful. If you wish, you can do one half the bottle first, wait a few minutes, and then administer the rest.
  • Stay reclined on your left side for about 20 minutes to allow the enema fluid to be absorbed. Retire for the night.
  • It takes practice to hold the enema in for 7 hours. Do not get discouraged, and keep trying. Even if you evacuate part of the enema, some will likely remain and heal you. As you heal, it will be easier to retain them for longer lengths of time.
Posted 10/15/2015 11:45 AM (GMT 0)
Thanks guys. I have no problem inserting it or retaining. It's just the next morning the result is all over the place. I was worried about the enema not being absorbed. I never had that before so it was deterring me from using them. The stool that does come out with the liquid is solid. Maybe ton the softer side for the first bm.

How long does it take using them to see consistency in the morning? I've been switching between cort enemas and rowasa for 3 months.

My flare is mild right now but the rectals aren't helping like they used to but I still think it's important to apply something topically.
Posted 10/15/2015 7:30 PM (GMT 0)
If inflammation is mild and you're getting larger dose of Remicade, I'd say it's time to quit steroid enemas & just use Rowasa when you feel the need for topical med in sigmoid colon. My gastro, who subspecializes in IBD treatment, considers prolonged steroid med use unsafe due to known longterm side effects, such as bone damage, etc. / Old Hat (35 yrs with left-sided UC; presently in remission taking brandname Colazal)
Posted 10/15/2015 8:20 PM (GMT 0)
Old hat you read my mind! Do you think I should continue rowasa nightly until the flare subsides? Or every other night? Not sure what to do. I honestly feel like the enemas irritate me more than help but I know they help heal so I was trying to stick with them. But with the remicade and everything else I am on are they needed every night?

I'm finishing a 10 day stint of 40 mg of pred today to blast the inflammation until I got my increase remi dosage. Then was switching to uceris to taper off steroids all together. Every other day to every 3 days then off. All per GI.
Posted 10/16/2015 7:15 PM (GMT 0)
If you feel that the Rowasa enemas are irritating your tissues, they probably ARE! One can become intolerant to them with continual use. It happened to me after 14 yrs of relying on them to quell mild/moderate left-side flares; then it happened to Fruitgirl more recently after fewer yrs using them to stay in remission. Actually, she would be a good member for you to consult since she had pregnancy-hormones onset of UC & related issues. (She also has 2 young children.) / Old Hat (35 yrs with left-sided UC; presently in remission taking brandname Colazal)
Posted 10/16/2015 9:24 PM (GMT 0)
So old hat what do you use rectally when you're flaring?

I haven't seen fruit girl on in ages. Maybe I'll post for her specifically.
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