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Best medications for URGENCY??

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Ulcerative Colitis
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Posted 7/8/2008 11:07 AM (GMT -7)
Tomorrow is my appointment finally with the gastro docs NP.  I have to have something else besides the Canasa to control my symptoms and bleeding.  What should I try next - if I have much say in it!  I will not try steroids yet!

I mostly interested in bleeding and urgency which is messing with my life.  Any good ideas in case I have a chance to ask about trying things.  I have a prescription plan that pays for about anything - so cost is not a problem.

Elaine (trying to get ready for knee surgery)

Posted 7/8/2008 11:19 AM (GMT -7)
Well, rectal meds such as enemas...can you maybe to them if you put your butt n the air to insert them? Just a thought since that's one of the insertion methods stated on the instructions.

You should also be on Asacol or a 5ASA oral med...Asacol is the first choice, however.

I use Bentylol (dicyclomine...Bentyl in the US) which is an antispasmodic and find it does help with the rectal discomfort...but it won't improve your UC situation or the inflammation.

You could consider a fibre supplement and a probiotic..higher dosages.

That's about all I can think of at this time.

Let us know how the appt goes.
q
Posted 7/8/2008 12:01 PM (GMT -7)

q - thanks so much.  I can just see my butt up in the air. I am pretty obese, short and have arthritis and cannot kneel on these knees that need surgery.  Anyway, I insert the suppositories (barely) on the toilet in the only position I can find that works.  Using lubricant has helped. 

I have considered asking my husband of 47 years to help but he has lung cancer and arthritis and enough of his own to contend with.  I don't think he could "stomach" helping me.  Maybe a suppository early morning after BM if I am not going out so I can ly down a while.  We will see what the NP says.  I like women medical personnel so much better than men - hoping I like this one.

The doc prescribed one Align a day and no fiber - going to ask about them. I have my list ready.  Anything but prednisone right now.  I am very sensitive to all medication such as pain narcotics, etc. so afraid to try anything for the side effect so using the conservative approach.  The one suppository and one probiotic has certainly helped a LOT!  So maybe I don't need a lot more.

Thanks again!

Elaine

Posted 7/8/2008 12:33 PM (GMT -7)
Like quincy, I also use Bentyl and find it helpful. I usually take a couple rapid-release Tylenol at the same time for cramping.
Posted 7/8/2008 4:37 PM (GMT -7)
I was just diagnosed in November, and the only med my doctor prescribed at the time was Asacol.  Maybe you can say you heard of it and was wondering whether it might work for you. 
Posted 7/8/2008 4:42 PM (GMT -7)

Thanks!  I seem to have same as your dx'd.  How is Asacol working for you - are you in remission?  Do you have symptoms?  Canasa is same meds just in suppository - think I need to go from both ends! I also use same medications including Xanax for anxiety.

 Elaine

Posted 7/8/2008 7:10 PM (GMT -7)
Lomitil kills my urgency. I'll use half a pill, and give myself an hour and it usually kicks in.

The last time I went in to my GI before my colonoscopy I asked to change my lomitil to bentyl and he wouldn't consider it. My next trip to my GP I will have him do that for me. I would definately like to try it.
Posted 7/8/2008 7:12 PM (GMT -7)
I've used cortenemas and rowasa enemas. These can be administered while laying on your left side, alot easier than getting the butt up in the air, lol.......Azulfidine is another 5ASA that could be worth a try. There is a thread on here about it. Good Luck
Posted 7/9/2008 9:12 AM (GMT -7)
urgency was my killer as well until things got under control for me.

you may consider playing around with your probiotic. unless you found a lot of improvement from primal defense, you could try a different brand.
i used primal defense for a few months and it helped in the beginning but then things were going down hill again. when i quit the p.d. and started another brand, that helped me some. i know there are a ton to choose from tho so if you feel like it's helping then stick with it!

i wouldn't say switching probiotics would take away all urgency, so definitely try some of these other suggestions. but it may help things a little.
Posted 7/9/2008 9:23 AM (GMT -7)

Thanks!  I have gone back to Align which doc gave me samples of because primal defense seemed to make it worse especially gas!

I am on my way to NP today and hoping to get something else to try and I have lots of questions written down.I will resist prednisone because I see what it does to my husband for his lung disease - helps but oh the side effect.

Good luck with your new baby - I can't imagine being pregnant with UC!!

ElaineNY

Posted 7/9/2008 11:45 AM (GMT -7)
For urgency I used to take something called hyoscyamine, it's an anti-spasmodic and helped calm my intestines down. I only stopped taking it because when I moved to Iowa my doctor and the pharmacist both hadn't heard of it and so they didn't prescribe it. I'm hoping my new doc back in here Florida will.
Posted 7/9/2008 2:33 PM (GMT -7)

Just back from seeing the gastro NP.  She is great and listened and talked and answered my questions.

I told her about you guys and she said that is good that I come here to relate to others!  She feels that I have probably had colitis for years just not ulcerated since I was diagnosed years ago with IBS.

Doctor added Colazal 3x2 for now and see her in a month.  She said I should see results in a couple weeks.  If any problems - just call.

Also, she stated there was no contraindications why I can't have the knee replacement after the monht of using this - assuming it does its job.  I ask about Asacol and she said that Colazal is better for left-sided UC like I have.

Thanks for all your help and helping me know what questions to ask, etc.

I will continue as I am just adding the Colazal for now to be sure any reactions are from it.

ElaineNY

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