how do I know if I am absorbing my pentasa properly?

Hi all,

Most of you know my recent past with surgeries etc.  The doctors took me off of Oxycontim (it has a 12 hour time release coating) since it was still exiting my body whole (when I had the ostomy still you could rad the writing on the pill).  Prior to my surgeries I knew it was getting absorbed right since I saw those nonpareils looking whitw dots in my poop.  Since Sx all I have had is D so it is hard to tell.  I dont see the pills floating in the water (they float in your mouth once a sip of water is taken) which is good.  Tonight I saw what could have been part of the external coating empty and it sunk in the toilet.  I never recall seeing the blue before in the poop but it was formed before since I mostly had C. 

Stef

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Dx with Crohn's 1987, symptoms as early as 1984.

Temp iliostomy February 2007, reversed June 2007, Ovarian cysts, migraines, allergies (incl food allergies) , oral allergy syndrome (diff than true food allergies), Asthma, Gall Bladder removed 1999, Inguenal hernia 1987

I actually switched from asacol to pentasa back in 2004. They say with asacol it is normal to see part of the pill passed in the stool for the frist couple of weeks. I started with a flare and saw pill parts (a while after starting asacol over a yr or so) that was why they switched me to pentasa. I know the white parts are normal in pentasa to see. I just hope it is working properly by releasing the contents in time to actually be helpful. I hate to think I am paying $50 a month for something that isnt even getting absorbed. I think I will bring it up when I see my colorectal surgeon tomorrow. Gee I need to start a question list for him again already have another list for him since I hope to be returning to work soon, I have a physical job and want him to make up a letter for my work informing them of my limitations.

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Dx with Crohn's 1987, symptoms as early as 1984.

Temp iliostomy February 2007, reversed June 2007, Ovarian cysts, migraines, allergies (incl food allergies) , oral allergy syndrome (diff than true food allergies), Asthma, Gall Bladder removed 1999, Inguenal hernia 1987

I forgot to ask. Are you still on the Fentanyl patches? Make sure before you go back to work that you have fully weaned from that med. I would hate for you to be working and trying to get off of it, you would probably end up missing some work again.

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Been living with Crohn's Disease for 32 years.  Currently on Asacol, Prilosec 60 mg, Estrace, Prinivil, Diltiazem, Percoset prn for pain and Calcium.  Resections in 2002 and 2005.  Recently diagnosed with Fibromyalgia and doing tests to see if I have Inflammatory Arthritis or AS.