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How to know if enemas are working?

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Ulcerative Colitis
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Posted 1/19/2020 11:09 AM (GMT -5)
Hi all,

Update from colonoscopy: biopsy results not in yet, but I'm in a mild flare up through the sigmoid colon. I feel like I've been flaring mildly at least 6-7 times in the past year with episodes of constipation, pain, cramps, mucus/blood, and a bit of diarrhea.

Thanks to this group here at HW, I started the Pentasa enemas again. Eventually my GI said to try them, as well as doubling my 5ASA. it's been 5 Nights now, and each morning I have liquid evacuation of bloody mucus eventually turning brown. Followed with urgent trips to pass semi formed bms up to 4 times before noon.

Does this sound like I am slowly getting Better? I see my G I on Feb 10th. And would prefer not to carry 2 suitcases of enemas in my carryon to Australia in March. So I wonder if suppositories would help?
Posted 1/19/2020 11:30 AM (GMT -5)
Enemas reach more area than suppositories so if enemas not helping then supps would help less. However if enemas not working why not try supps? I always saw symptom improvement from enema in couple uses even when flaring badly but didn't use Pentasa enemas, just generic mesalamine enema. Some people have reported being sensitive to the preservative in some enemas and there is an alternative that is sulfite-free but Penatasa enemas are not mentioned much.

So give the supps a try if you have time. Your body is your body and it pays to do your own detective work.
Posted 1/19/2020 1:30 PM (GMT -5)
I wouldn't give up on the enemas yet. Its good that they're 4g dosage.
Are you able to hold them all night? If so, you aren't getting worse.
Are you having bms after noon? If not...you arent getting worse. But, do use the supps during the day after you think the majority are done.

Are you on any probiotics?

q
Posted 1/19/2020 2:14 PM (GMT -5)
Pentasa enemas were suggested as they came with some good coupons . Not sure what the generic is, and if it's available in Canada. The longest I stayed on them was 2 weeks. No Dr. Has told me I should continue longer.

The first times I used them they worked fast. Within days, or so I thought. This time, my flare is different, more intense urgency with leftover urges. Lol if you know what I mean. The enemas are staying 90 % of the time. I have not tried suppositories, but maybe they could help with the ache in the rectum area.

I have been on Align for 2 months now. Someone told me about a supplement called Chlorella that could help, but not many studies have been done.
Posted 1/19/2020 2:32 PM (GMT -5)
Hi....in Canada, we have Salofalk brand enemas and suppositories. Enemas are 60ml amount of liquid compared to 100ml liquid of Pentasa, suppositories are 1g I believe.
The issue happening with your UC is that the enemas should have always been a constant treatment then tapered to maintenance (as probably advised here...it's frustrating to hear they have only been prescribed for 2 weeks. Certainly only a drop of effort regarding your treatment and continued care). Since you have sigmoid involvement, they should be what you use, and the suppositories for support.

I suggest you get on better probiotics....what I use is in my signature.I also wouldn't add other supplements that could cause other symptoms and confusion at this point.

Regarding your trip....maybe start on oral immuno suppressant meds if the enemas will be an inconvenience. Hopefully, you will be in healing mode by then.

Please keep us updated....as well, maybe call back and beg (cry) to get in to see your doctor sooner 🤔
Hang tough,
q
Posted 1/19/2020 6:40 PM (GMT -5)
Q,
I will do my research now...sounds like our UC is similar at least in location. However when I was 1st diagnosed I had patchy disease in the ascending colon. And now I wonder if switching to Salofalk brand would be ok. I just ordered 4 boxes of the pentasa. But does salofalk make the suppositories? I will look that up too. And find out if my medical covers it.

Thanks q
Posted 1/19/2020 7:32 PM (GMT -5)
If you have any inflammation in the rectum/sigmoid...enemas will help. Salofalk and Pentasa suppositories ars available in Canada...and I see they're both 1g. Shouldn't be a problem to switch as long as it's the 4g dosage.

Did your latest scope show ascending colon inflammation?

Increasing the oral and using the enemas will cover you fully at this point.
q
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