Hi...What other symptoms are you having?
The added oat bran and Metamucil will bulk up your stool could be part of the reason you're having more bms.
Is your UC throughout your colon or limited?
The longest I was on the enemas nightly was 4 months. Try not to give it too much of a limitation just yet.
Personally, I would avoid the immunosuppressants and the Pred forever if you can. Not everyone on imuran is symptom free and they do have flares. If you are eventually needing to use it, then do so a while after the triathalon...which will also put your body in a more extreme state which could cause some flare symptoms.
You've already answered your question in stating the 5ASA meds are working for you. The added stress of your expectations can put you in a state that'll cause more disappointment.
My take on it.
Regarding the cancer, etc....5ASA meds are still superior. I just went for my results of the 30 biopsies that my doc took and I'm totally clear except for very slight redness 5cm in the rectum. Could have been from the prep...but my point is that my doctor praised the dedication and faithfullness of sticking with the oral/rectal meds. He also said I'm one of the few who would. So, no dysplasia.
Don't forget I was diagnosed almost 19 years ago and had active UC for 3 years prior. I also have PSC that increases my cancer risk.
My next c-scope is in 3 years.
I'm elated.
I say, if it works.....make it work the best possible way for you. Don't make your goal to have NO symptoms...make your goal to use the meds in a way to keep you symptom free.
If you're already having vast improvement from the flare, then that's good.
You could consider to start tapering the foam and see if you'll improve. Some 5ASA meds if just a bit too much can cause symptoms. It's a fine juggling act that you'll have to figure out.
My very biased take on it...but it's only through experience that I state my suggestions.
quincy
*Heather*Status:mini flare June 23* 6asacol daily+ Salofalk (tapered every 4th night)
~diagnosed January 1989 UC (proctosigmoiditis)
~5ASA: Asacol + Salofalk enemas (increase for flares tapered to maintenance)
~Bentylol (dicyclomine) 20mg as needed
~vitamins/minerals
~Probiotic 2 (Natural Factors Protec) + 1 (Primadophilus Reuteri) at bedtime
~Natural Factors Multi Digestive Enzymes with supper
~Ranitidine,Pariet (reflux) Effexor XR 75mg; Pulmicort/Airomir (asthma)
~URSO for PSC (or PBC) 500mg X 2 daily (LFTs back to NORMAL!!)
My doc's logic.. "TREAT (FROM)BOTH ENDS" worth it !!!