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Great...just diagnosed with UC....now what?

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Ulcerative Colitis
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Posted 10/22/2007 1:28 PM (GMT -6)
After a colonoscopy, doctor confirmed mild UC. I am now on Asacol. I noticed that some are prescribed Remicade. Well, I have Rheumatiod Arthrits and have been on Enbrel for about 5 years now. I just can't understand why the Enbrel didn't kick in to avoid the inflammation to my colon? Have any of you had any side effects to the Asacol? I started the med 3 days ago and can't wait to feel better. Any advice would be great.
Posted 10/22/2007 7:57 PM (GMT -6)
Asacol worked great for me at the beginning and then it became more of something to keep the UC under control. Some have a reaction to Asacol, but Colazal and Lialda are do the same thing and may work better for others. I don't know much about Enbrel, but different inflammation meds usually treat different inflammatory conditions--for instance, having UC means you should not take Asprin or Ibuprofen, it would make things worse. Also, there is a good chance the Rheumathiod Arthritis was caused by your UC, which is something I noticed about 6 months before I was dx'd with UC.

Anyhow, welcome to the site and you should find a lot of useful information here.
Posted 10/23/2007 5:10 AM (GMT -6)
Hi welcome :) Where in your colon is your Uc? Do you know? The more inflammation you have in your colon the longer it's going to take to heal. By 2 weeks if you don't know any improvement of your condition, request rectal meds such as Rowasa. What are your symptoms are the time? Maybe you can start on them now if the symptoms are severe? It's best to educate yourself as much as possible with this disease so things are less confusing and scary. Please go to this site if you haven't already done so: www.ccfa.org I can't help you with the Enbrel question but what quantum said sounds about right in that not all inflammation meds work on the entire body.
Posted 10/23/2007 11:44 AM (GMT -6)
Hi, I don't know where in my colon the UC is. I am taking three 400mg Asacol daily. My doc says that I have a mild case. My symptoms are: diarrhea(of course) ,occasional fever, headache, sensitive stomach, weight loss and fatigue. I couldn't begin with the sulphursalazine due to an allergy to it when I took it for my Rheumatoid Arthritis about 15 years ago. Can UC get worse when on the meds? I will check that site Red. Thanks quantum and Red for your input. I just want to feel better.....ha...don't we all. I have a follow up with my doc in 4 weeks to see how the asacol is doing and if i am gaining some weight. Gee, I hope so. Take care,
Posted 10/24/2007 10:52 AM (GMT -6)
Yes, UC can get worse on the meds. However, in most cases, the meds can keep the UC from spreading farther up the colon. Also, after stopping meds, flares can be harder to control and "bigger" meds may be necessary.

How are you feeling now? Any better?

Like Red said - information is your best weapon. Inform yourself so you can be a partner in your treatment. Knowledge also makes things less scary!
Posted 10/24/2007 11:35 AM (GMT -6)
Hi,
Well, I think that I am doing a little better. Today is the first day since on Asacol that I don't feel so fatigued and my diarrhea isn't as constant. Is it still too early for the med to kick in? I haven't been on it a full week yet. Hopefully, it isn't a one day-feel good, and then back to the grind tomorrow. Well, I must remain positive and I am doing research online about this disease. It surely helps to know that I am not alone and that I have people here on this site that can relate(first-hand) in what I'm going through. Thanks, take care,
Posted 10/24/2007 2:49 PM (GMT -6)
Bebe - Hang in there. Asacol has worked for me, and I find it is a very tolerable drug. Of course, the fact that we have to take so many absolutely stinks... but it does work for a lot of us with milder cases.
Posted 10/26/2007 7:36 AM (GMT -6)
Hi, I am new-- I have had UC for over a year now and the Asacol has been good to me. I have low white blood counts sometimes and wonder if that is due to the UC or the Asacol? My ears also hurt and the sinus cavites are full? HELP !!!
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