Leave well enough alone?? UC meds

I recently went on Entyvio infusions three months ago and they are working so far! Having normal bowel movements for the first time in a year, and no bad side effects. I have been taking Lialda and that didn't put me in remission, but my Dr. wants me to stay on it for a little while more.
I recently had a stool test which showed there is still some inflammation, so now he wants me to start on mesalamine enemas. I feel good, and am worried that the enemas may put me in another flare.....and may start something up again. And how will I know what works if I'm taking so many meds?? Your thoughts?

Absolutely go on the enemas! I know the initial ick or eww factor. However, they are super effective at treating stubborn rectum and left-side inflammation, the results will speak for themselves! Enemas will NOT make you flare.

"Pleeeeease do the enemas!

q"

Yay!
Please keep us updated how you are doing on them.

q

Good progress thus far, give them 30 days and see where you are at.

The enemas might make your first poop of the day a little looser and more urgent, it might be white to light tan in color. All of those things are perfectly normal.

Skinny stools are often a sign of rectal inflammation.

There's no instant-gratification with this illness, so having patience is key! I'd expect an initial, partial response in 2-3 weeks (sometimes sooner) from mesalamine enemas or oral pills. Being 100% healed is going to vary a lot, depending on how severe and extensive your inflammation is. Mild and limited inflammation heals a lot faster, then severe and extensive inflammation does. Being fully healed (and in a remission) could take a month, 2-months, or more.

Sometimes we need a lot more meds to achieve a remission, so nothing is guaranteed. It's an individual illness, with a lot of trial-and-error to treat. Sometimes our doctor does not get the meds and dosages right the 1st time, 2nd time, or even 3rd time. So, you should be in-touch with your doctor 6-8 weeks after starting a new treatment, and remain in touch with him/her throughout this process. Let him/her know if you are not getting better after a series of weeks, even between appointments. Not uncommon to need to adjust meds and dosages, so do not be shy to speak up if you are not in a remission and feeling normal again.

Dayatatime....those are flare symptoms, more limited in the rectum. Note these symotoms well, for after you've done well for a long while, this will be a symptom of a flare.

Make the enemas your best friend... they serve the purpose. I've only been on mesalamine oral and rectal for over 30 years.

I suggest you do NOT just drop them after a month...you might need them longer nightly. Taper them over a period of time to a maintenance dosage, usually twice a week.

My 2cents ad nauseum.

q