What meds to take when?

[Malice67]

Newly diagnosed but symptoms are mild enough GI is not wanting to start any major meds, just reduce the constipation / diarrhea cycle and maintain my iron, folate, and B-12 (all three came close to zeroing out three months ago and are finally somewhat close to normal). I agree with starting this way, just when I sat down and looked at everything I am to take daily, not sure what to take when. Here is what I am trying, but wondering if I am grouping them correctly.

at breakfast (figuring these contain nutrients, so take first thing):
- folic acid
- calcium
- probiotic

after dinner (thinking if either one works too well, at least I'll be home:
- Metamucil
- stool softener

before bed (as it needs to be taken at least an hour after eating):
- zergid

Note: iron is controlled by IV infusions as needed, B-12 by monthly shots

thanks for looking

 

[theOcean]

This looks fine to me! I'm surprised you weren't at least put on a 5-ASA though, since those are so mild. If those are effective for you, it might eliminate the need to take all these supplements.

 

[Malice67]

This looks fine to me! I'm surprised you weren't at least put on a 5-ASA though, since those are so mild. If those are effective for you, it might eliminate the need to take all these supplements.

They are avoiding NSAIDS at all costs... I know 5-ASA is not completely the same, but related enough they are avoiding for possible side effects. (theyfeel my pre-diagnoised usage of NSAIDS contributed to my anemia (hgb at 47). Although I am up to 117 now, they are concerned with it dropping again.

At least I think that was the reasoning... the appointment was 45 minutes long so I may have missed some of the details.

 

[theOcean]

Would they consider an immunosuppressant then, or a short course of prednisone or entocort (milder version of prednisone with less side-effects)? Because I feel that it's really important to treat your inflammation directly. Doing this with all the supplements is really just treating your symptoms.

 

[Malice67]

I am having another scope when school gets out.. may reassess after. I will definite do some more reading to have better questions. Also calling my hematologist to get copies of all the labs he ran... from what he sent to my GI, looks like a celiac panel was never done, so my GI gave me orders for one, and will be taking biopsies of my duodenum during the next scope, as well as cauterizing a small growth (has been biopsied already - not cancer).

thanks for the response... I'll check more into the pros and cons of these meds.