Next step?

[teeny5]

I have been on Asacol for about 2 months now and I really don't feel better. At first I thought I was getting better but then I felt like I was flaring again. I am constantly on a rollercoaster of being fine and then feeling aweful. Could this just be because I have not calmed the flare yet? I was just diagnosed in May and I don't know exactly what to expect still.

Was thinking of asking my GI to change my medication, but unsure of where I would go after the Asacol. Would I go straight onto steroids? As far as I know I only have Crohn's in my large intestine, but was supposed to get the results from an upper GI last week (the doctor was sick!).

 

[Isla]

I am kind of wondering the same thing. I have been Asacol for about 2 months as well - but I think mine may finally be working or else I stopped flaring on my own. I wouldn't think Asacol would take 2 months to start working as it is applied topically to your colon so nothing to build up in your system.

 

[teeny5]

I know when I went after being on it for just 2 weeks the GI said it was too soon to tell if it was working or not.

 

[Isla]

I am researching it, on the Asacol website they say you can start seeing results in as early as 3 weeks. But we will see what further research yields.

 

[Isla]

http://www.asacol.com/hcp/efficacy/rapid-symptom-relief.jsp

6 weeks so 26-30 days for it to take ffect.

 

[teeny5]

Thanks Isla. I just get frustrated because I feel better and then get worse again. It seems just when I think I am better I flare again.

 

[Isla]

I think I actually am getting better and I would say completely better if it wasn't for this pesky nausea. It is so bad that it is impacting my daily life - so I made an appointment for next week. So I will get the word on how the Asacol is working and what to do about this nausea. If my only option from him will be Phenergan I am just going to use MJ instead, less side effects.

I say give it one more month, 3 total just to be extra EXTRA certain. But remember Asacol isn't a catch all, it can abate your symptoms - not cure them or even rid them entirely, it can provide longer periods of remission - not give you a permanent one. Making you feel even half better indicates it is doing it's job. I still have flares but they don't last as long and the symptoms are half as bad without it. For me half is a godsend!

 

[teeny5]

I guess my symptoms have gotten better. I certainly don't have the intense pain I had before and though my diarrhea hasn't gone away totally it is better and some days is gone. So, I think you might be right that the Asacol is working a bit. I guess I just was hoping that it would get rid of all my symptoms. I remember someone else stating to remember that the anti-inflammatory isn't a pain killer so don't look for it to do that at all. I just wish I could have a whole month where I felt good! Oh, well baby steps I guess.

That sucks about your nausea. I hate that feeling! Thankful that my nausea has gone away too. Use to only be able to eat a small portion of food (literally a few bites) before feeling totally full and nauseaus. If I tried to eat more I would just throw it up! I hope you find something that helps you and soon.

 

[theability]

Teeny5....

Asacol and I just recently stopped workling together,LOL. I wasn't getting sufficient absorbstion of the drug in my terminal illeum, mostly in the colon, where I have no disease. So I was switched to Pentasa CR for better small bowel absorbing.

Always remember you can ask for medication changes, if your not feeling right, speak up, make sure they listen to you. It took me a year of this before my doctors listened, even fired a few till I got a GI that was ready to take this head on and be agressive.

hope you do better soon..

 

[teeny5]

Went to the GI today and he said that the Asacol is working...overall I am better. He did give me an enema form of the drug to help with the diarrhea more.