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Ulcerative Colitis
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Posted 1/26/2011 11:52 AM (GMT -5)

Hello:

My Crohn's has so far been limited only to my colon and hence my post here.

For the past one month, I've been experiencing my first Crohn's flare (first diagnosed two years ago). I experience 2-3 BM's per day and a feeling of unfinished bowel movement. My GI first increased my dosage of Lialda (3.6 to 4.8 gms), then after a week into my flare, he prescribed Canasa-first once a day and then twice. Last week, after seeing no results, he put me on 40 mg of Prednisone a day. However, the BM's haven't stopped even after being on Prednisone for nearly a week. What comes next in medications to control the BM? Imuran, Remicade, 6-MP..?

My blood tests which were done last week all came normal with the ESR and C-Reactive Protein, although showing some inflammation, being within the normal range.

My GI has scheduled a colonoscopy for me next week.  

Thanks,

Posted 1/26/2011 11:55 AM (GMT -5)
after pred is 6-mp or imuran...then humira or remicade
Posted 1/26/2011 11:57 AM (GMT -5)
Yep; next line of treatment (which from what I understand is the last/highest line) is Remicade (which I started fairly recently; no ill effects so far/feel normal; has helped a little; going for my 3rd infusion Feb 1.; hoping it starts working better though and my GI may increase dose in a few months if not; goal is for Remicade to work well and then just stay on that and taper and get completely off prednisone and then the Lialda eventually), Imuran, Humira.
Posted 1/26/2011 1:51 PM (GMT -5)
You may find more answers on the Chron's board here on HealingWell but treatment for UC and Chron's is very similar so we can give you some ideas. I think a lot of people with Chron's take Pentasa because it releases higher up, that could be an option worth trying. If steroids aren't working, you better start Imuran or 6mp right now because they can take a while to start working (3 months for some). If you don't want to go that route or if you're too sick to wait, you may opt (or your dr may ush you) to start Remicade or Humira. I personally didn't want to go that route so I started 6mp and waited. I was well managed on prednisone and not expereiencing terrible symptoms.

Do you know where the inflammation is active? You could try more rectal meds. Canasa is the least effective available in my opinion. It is great for inflammation right in the first couple inches of the rectum but anything past there will not get treated. You could ask about enemas, steroid or mesalamine.

have you had stool tests and biopsies to check for bacteria and infection?

Please check out our resources section
https://www.healingwell.com/community/default.aspx?f=38&m=1666318

there is a post on the bottom about medical/alternative treatment options. This may be helpful in guiding you to finding potential treatments.
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