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Symptoms not improving

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Ulcerative Colitis
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Charliei2016
New Member
Joined : May 2021
Posts : 4
Posted 5/15/2021 3:51 PM (GMT -6)
Hello.
I’ve been dealing with a flare up for almost a month now. I had a doctor appointment a little over 2 weeks ago. Before that appointment I had been taking mesalamine suppository 1x a day for maintenance (I had on been on a maintenance dose for about a month before I experienced a flare up again). The doctor now has me on mesalamine suppository and Balsalazide 750 mg 4 capsules in the morning. At night I take a hydrocortisone enema. Since my dr appointment my symptoms have gotten much worse. I visit the restroom probably 20 times a day and it wakes me up multiple times a night. I don’t have a bowel movement every time. Sometimes it’s just blood or mucus other times it’s just gas. The urgency is much worse than I’ve ever experienced. She ordered blood tests and they were all normal except my hemoglobin was slightly low and my Calprotectin was 71. My next appointment isn’t until the 27th. Should I try to get in earlier? She said the enema could take 2 weeks to work. But it has only gotten worse. Also I’m curious what the next reasonable step will be. She mentioned that I might eventually start Humaira if this doesn’t work. Should I try something else first?
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notsosicklygirl
Forum Moderator
Joined : Dec 2008
Posts : 17854
Posted 5/15/2021 8:46 PM (GMT -6)
I am sorry you're not getting better faster. Try to be diligent with your enemas. If things are getting to a point where you're unable to function, which it sounds like it's getting close with the night trips, id definitely see about getting in sooner, but patience is sometimes necessary with this illness. You may need to go on something other than balsalazide. You may also need oral uceris or steroids to help get you heading in the right direction.
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Sara14
Veteran Member
Joined : Mar 2007
Posts : 7133
Posted 5/15/2021 10:56 PM (GMT -6)
I would call my doctor. That's a lot of bathroom trips, plus the nightly trips and blood aren't fun. I'm dealing with similar and had to go back on prednisone. You could try mesalamine enemas instead of the steroid enemas or an oral steroid, like nssg mentioned. I hope you get to feeling better ASAP.
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quincy
Elite Member
Joined : May 2003
Posts : 33246
Posted 5/15/2021 11:04 PM (GMT -6)
Have you been checked for c.diff or any other gastro invaders?

q
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iPoop
Forum Moderator
Joined : Aug 2012
Posts : 16372
Posted 5/16/2021 6:24 AM (GMT -6)
Also possible to be having an allergic reaction to a higher dose of mesalamine. If you've only done 1 gram suppositories, added oral balsalazide, and now have increased frequency and urgency then that could be a calling-card to it. Given, only 5 percent of patients experience allergic reactions to mesalamine.

An allergic reaction to mesalamine is described as a dramatic worsening of bowel symptoms.

Try skipping the otal balsalazide for 48 hours and see if you dramatically improve.
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Charliei2016
New Member
Joined : May 2021
Posts : 4
Posted 5/16/2021 10:50 AM (GMT -6)
iPoop - that’s really interesting. I started getting worse after I started taking the balsalazide. I’m going to see what happens if I don’t take it today and tomorrow. Thank you for your insight
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Charliei2016
New Member
Joined : May 2021
Posts : 4
Posted 5/16/2021 10:52 AM (GMT -6)
Quincy - I have been checked for C diff and different things before but not the most recent tests.
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