Is pain the last symptom to go?

Hi- I just finished a budesonide taper and am on 150mg if imuran and 4.8 mg of mezavant. My disease seems to be steroid dependent so this will be my third time tapering.. third times the charm things seem to be clearing up.

I still have urgency but only have about 2-3 BMs per day. There is almost no blood. Still consistently a type 6 stool but beggars can’t be choosers lol.

I’ve been dealing with a substantial amount of abdominal pain. I don’t think it’s gas pains, it feels more like menstrual cramps. All BMs are accompanied by pain (though obviously not to the same degree as before).

Is pain the last symptom to go?

It seems you are doing better but you are still flaring. The lack of blood is a good sign but the cramping pain still indicates inflammation. What type of UC do you have and have you done rectal meds?

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SHERRY

Diagnosed Left sided UC '92 - meds: Apriso, Remicade) Unable to tolerate MOST mesalamines* Currently in Remission, IBS, Diverticuliar Disease, Fibro, Sacroiilitis, Raynauds, OA, PA, Rosacea, Psoriasis, Dry eye syndrome (which caused a blockage -had the DCR surgery 2015 success!), allergies-Zyrtec

If you're at a bristol #6 (semi-solid, fluffy edged bms), have pain while pooping, and urgency then you have limited extent, severe rectal inflammation remaining. It's the stage I like to call razor-blade-poops, where you're healed higher up and starting to get more solid bms as a consequence thereof. However, passing semi-solid stool through a badly inflamed rectum is just pure agony.

So, my first question to you is about rectal-route medications. With a badly inflamed rectum you need to be on your choice of steroid enemas/foams/suppositions and/or mesalamine enemas/foams/suppositories. From an earlier post, you stated you're on "imuran, budesonide and mezavant," and I see no mention of rectal medication listed in there...

I'd say you're not going to get rid of the pain until you've continued healing a lot more. You're maybe 50% out of this flare, can see the light at the end of the tunnel, but have a long slog ahead of you through the mud.

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Moderator Ulcerative Colitis
John, 40, UC Proctosigmoiditis
Rx: Remicade @5mgs/kg/6wks; daily 75mgs 6MP, 4.8g generic-Lialda, and rowasa
You might have UC if your dream home renovation project is to add one of those techie Japanese toilets with voice activated seat warmer, bidet, deodorizer, and soothing music...