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Mucous here-now what?

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Ulcerative Colitis
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Posted 6/14/2008 6:42 PM (GMT -7)
I've had the best 3 months since my diagnosis this past spring-BM habits and energy level just like my pre-colitis days. However, for the past week or so, I've been passing mucous. Sometimes with BM, sometimes on its own-and I have been going more often-up to 5 times a day. So I have been using my rowasa enemas nightly again (I had tapered to weekly use when I was feeling so great!) for the past 4 nights in the hopes that I can nip this flare in the bud.

My question is, how long do I let the symptoms go before I call the doctor to see about a course of steroid enemas or other aggressive treatments? These symptoms aren't so severe that I can't deal, but I don't want to let things get out of hand so that it takes months to get me back on track again.

How long does it take you to re-set following a small flare like this one? A week or two, or longer? Or less? Thanks so much everyone!
Posted 6/14/2008 8:43 PM (GMT -7)
I would give the Rowasa a week to see if it helps. No improvement by Monday? Contact your doc.

Every flare is different - so it's hard to decide how long to wait...

Feel better soon!
Posted 6/14/2008 10:10 PM (GMT -7)
I wouldn't worry or hurry to get into a more "aggressive" treatment at this point. You should stay on the Rowasa until you're feeling "normal" ... that can take a few weeks...and if it's consistent for over a week, then taper to every second night. See how that goes for a few weeks, then every third night.

How many asacol are you on?

Are you still on imuran?

Hang tough...give it a fair try before resorting to another med.

You could consider to add a fibre supplement to your intake as well.

HUGE kudos to you for dealing early....
quincy
Posted 6/15/2008 4:22 AM (GMT -7)
Thanks guys! Yes, still on imuran, 100 mgs. I am supposed to be on 9 asacol/day, but no matter how hard I try, I hardly ever manage that mid-day dose. I'm a working mommy to two little kids and somehow when I remember, it's bedtime!! My GI is going to switch me to that long-acting mesalamine at my next checkup (end of this month) which should improve my compliance.

Fiber sup is a great idea, thank you.

We got the ok to try for another pregnancy three months ago after my january scope looked good (just some rectal inflammation, all else looking good), and I have a sneaking suspicion that this mucous and my extremely tender chest mean that my hormones are switching into baby growing mode. I'm not positive on the pregnancy or anything, but it's yet another reason I want to be on the ball with my symptoms!
Posted 6/15/2008 11:20 AM (GMT -7)
I believe you can take the colazal twice daily....at least do that until you see the doc.

Hormonal changes will definitely affect your colon.

Keep us posted.

q
Posted 6/17/2008 3:57 AM (GMT -7)
Thanks! Wow, I do detest the actual mechanism of using that rowasa, but it does work. Much less mucous Sunday and yesterday, though my belly still rumbles (embarrassing in my line of work where my belly is inches from patients' ears all day!! thank goodness I offer headphones.). Just thought I'd update-I think I'm on an upswing, thankfully.

Best, E
Posted 6/17/2008 5:25 AM (GMT -7)
I definitely agree with the info you have been given regarding the Rowasa. It's good that you didn't let it get too far before starting to nip it in the butt.......Glad you are seeing some improvement.......
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