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Ulcerative Colitis
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Posted 5/14/2018 4:34 PM (GMT 0)
So I had a complete normal colonoscopy with normal biopsies in February then a sigmoidoscopy the last week in March that again was normal. I am on Humira only- as the doctor had told me to stop Rowasa and Balsalazide after the sigmoidoscope. I actually felt better off of the Balsalazide (less gas etc). Last week I got very stressed out and saw a small amount of blood in my stool. I used Rowasa a few times since. Over the weekend I felt crampy but no diarrhea etc. almost like I did with just lower/inflammation. When I had higher inflammation I got diarrhea so not seeing that but, today there was string bloody in the stool.

I feel like my doc does not believe that I am having any sort of flare. I have a trip planned out of the country for next week because-- I was in remission!! I had a very high Humira level this past February so that's not an issue. My doc wants to do another sigmoidoscope this week prior to treating anything. I am so worried as I do not want to miss this trip. I had been in complete remission on Humira and thought that planning the trip sooner rather than later was the safer bet.

Can you have small flares on these biologics so soon? Is it possible that Rowasa will stomp it out like it has in the past? I cannot believe that this is even happening. I was back to eating bread again and doing well. I hate this so so much.
Posted 5/14/2018 5:17 PM (GMT 0)
Is it just on the toilet paper? Is it in the water? Is it actually on the stool? Otherwise, how are you feeling? Any urgency? How many BM's a day? Did they take any biopsies during your scopes?

I've had little flips on and off during biologics. I'm finding that it's common. I doubt you're in a full on flare, though. Ask for some Bentyl (antispasmodic), it'll help with any cramping you have, and maybe some cort enemas to see if they help.
Posted 5/14/2018 5:22 PM (GMT 0)
Stringy stuff is blood and mucus.....small flare is still what it is and using the topicals seems a good treatment.

Hope the sig-scope reveals how high.

Yes, absolutely use the rowasa.... or he might give you steroid enemas as well. They'll be part of your ensemble for your holiday. 🤔

Let us know the outcome of the scope.

q
Posted 5/14/2018 6:38 PM (GMT 0)
Can you do an FCP and stool test? I think rowasa is still a good option, but I may also get some uceris just in case if I were in your shoes and leaving the country. The scope will provide more direction on what to do. Many people need to stay on mesalamine orally/rectally to keep flares at bay, even if they are on biologics. I also don't think it's that uncommon to have good days and bad days, but blood is always worrisome. Of course, the blood could be from a hemorrhoid or something along those lines.
Posted 5/15/2018 12:22 PM (GMT 0)
If this blip happened after stopping Balsalazide and Rowasa, is mild, then add both back.
Posted 5/16/2018 12:30 PM (GMT 0)
I had another sigmoidoscope yesterday and have mild inflammation in the transverse colon. I am starting Uceris and bringing prednisone for my trip. I am going to start taking balsalazide again as well although my doctor doesn't think it did much. He still thinks I have Crohn's due to the irregular areas ie. skipping areas of inflammation. The rest of my colon was textbook perfect but this is really frustrating. I planned a really nice vacation to celebrate remission and now this. This disease is really depressing and mentally I am a mess. Thanks for the support.
Posted 5/16/2018 5:18 PM (GMT 0)
Only in transverse? Yeah, seems CD than UC since UC tends to follow a pattern.

Good you had the scope...i would say skip the Colazal but bring it with you.

Hope the Uceris kicks in so that your holiday can be a break for you.
Please keep us posted.

q
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