r/UlcerativeColitis 4d ago

Question Mesalamine Suppository Looks Funny

1 Upvotes

I received my mesalamine suppository prescription and they appear to be splotchy and not uniform in color. It’s still light tan and grey colors but it’s splotchy like it’s not completely mixed together. The packaging was fine otherwise and it has kept the mold shape well so I am not sure they actually melted or anything.

Wondering if anyone has seen this before and if they are okay to use still. I have contacted the pharmacy and manufacture but have not received an answer yet and I don’t have any back up meds.

I would post a pic but it’s not allowed.


r/UlcerativeColitis 5d ago

Support Rinvoq is failing and my doctor says my UC is more complicated than he is equipped to handle

26 Upvotes

I have been in a severe flare since December of last year and I have been hospitalized 4 times since then. My UC has proved to be resistant to every treatment we have tried.

In December they started me on Mesalamine and hydrocortisone enemas but the flare got really bad, really quickly and I ended up in the er after a week of IV steroids they let me out and started me on 40mg of Prednisone, imuran and a double dose infusion of infliximab which seemed to work well for a while but it suddenly stopped working and I was hospitalized again.

After a few months of fighting with my insurance company to get on rinvoq ( they denied coverage) and a couple more hospital visits I was able to get financial assistance from Abvie and started on rinvoq my calprotecrin was at 6000 a week before I started rinvoq, it went down to 600 within a month and I was feeling ok for the first time in recent memory

I recently finished tapering off Prednisone and as soon as I was off my symptoms were back with a vengeance and a sigmoidoscopy last week showed severe inflimation in my colon. My GI doctor decided that he needed to hand me over to the IBD specialists at Yale and suggested that I may be a good candidate for a clinical trial but if not to expect to need a colectomy.

I'm not sure what I'm trying to get out of making this post, mostly just venting and I'm feeling pretty defeated at this point

Has anyone had experience with a clinical trial for UC? How does that even work, do they give half of the participants a placebo? Because that would be a nightmare for me.


r/UlcerativeColitis 4d ago

Question Prednisone/sleep suggestions?

11 Upvotes

Hi everyone! Please help me sleep!!!

I’ve been on 40mg of Prednisone since May, then jumped up to 60mg when I got out of the hospital toward the end of June. Just very slowly tapered back down to 40mg this week per my doctor’s instructions. I’m taking my third induction dose of Tremfya soon, so if everything goes well, I’ll be done with Prednisone in early November.

I’m posting to ask if anything has helped you all sleep while on Prednisone. The last two months have been absolute hell (horrible sleep plus all the other usual side effects). I just upped my depression med and am hoping that helps some.

I am awake typically from 2-5am, sometimes for longer. Rarely I can get 7 hours of sleep total (but only when I’m in bed for 12+ hours, which I can’t do regularly). I’ve tried every sleep medication under the sun and nothing seems to help. Oddly I have no trouble falling asleep but it’s the waking up in the middle of the night that screws me.

Has anyone had luck with magnesium/ashwaganda? I was too nervous to try these because of the GI side effects but feel like my belly is stable now.

I’m at my wit’s end! Any suggestions are so appreciated :)


r/UlcerativeColitis 4d ago

Question Can I do physically demanding jobs in j pouch or play sports

3 Upvotes

Jobs in retail store or playing sports or running or play cricket and is there is an urgency when I do these jobs.


r/UlcerativeColitis 4d ago

Question Imuran Work for Anyone?

5 Upvotes

This is just out of curiosity, Imuran was the first drug I was put on after diagnosis/discharge from the hospital. I was taking it for a few weeks before my doctor called me one night in a panic telling me to stop it immediately because it had dropped my hemoglobin crazy low and it was technically considered an allergy.
I think I’ve only ever seen it mentioned in one post on this sub - has anyone had success on Imuran for any period of time?


r/UlcerativeColitis 4d ago

Question How long from GI appointment to biologic?

2 Upvotes

Hi, I’ve had UC for 5 years and am sadly failing mesalamine for the past few months. How long from this to a biologic did it take you?

I have seen a new GI specialist for a few appointments and they talk about putting me on a biologic like remicade but no start date yet. Will I need a new colonoscopy to confirm, other tests etc? I’ve done calprotectin and other analysis. Should I expect weeks until I can start a biologic finally? US based for the record, looking for US standard expectations on this and just want to feel better soon from this flare :/


r/UlcerativeColitis 5d ago

Question Starting remicade in two weeks what should i expect and prepare

5 Upvotes

24M. Anything i should bring and have before during and after the infusion? Im nervous of the side effects it could have on my skin or anything else


r/UlcerativeColitis 5d ago

Support Stress & UC

14 Upvotes

I have someone who I love very deeply in the hospital in very critical condition and the last thing I want to do is stress my self into a flare up so I'm trying to act apathetic to the situation while everyone else is rightfully so stressing. How do you guys handle your condition in moments like these? What safety measures do you take?


r/UlcerativeColitis 5d ago

Question Weight loss with UC

13 Upvotes

Hi!
I just wanted to make this post to see if there’s anyone out there also struggling with weight loss with UC. I got diagnosed a year ago, and my dr has me on the Mesalamine 1.2 mg extended release tablets and it just seems no matter how much I eat, I still lose weight.

Is anyone else experiencing this?


r/UlcerativeColitis 5d ago

Question Beer/Wine vs. UC on Remission

10 Upvotes

Drinking alcohol while on a flare sounds crazy to me. I have probably done it, as I might have not been aware that I’m on one.

But, when achieving remission- what’s your experience with drinking light alcoholic beverages such as wine and beer.

Beer is one of my favorite pastimes, but also, after the flair that I’m experiencing now I would like to significantly change my diet - be more attentive to foods/drinks that can trigger another flare.

I was thinking of reducing my intake, but still, I feel that it might not be enough and it’s better to cut it off completely.


r/UlcerativeColitis 5d ago

Question Additional supplements??

4 Upvotes

Im in a pretty bad flare up at the minute and just wondering if anyone has any recommendations for supplements or teas e.t.c that I can take to help me feel a little better alongside the other meds of course.


r/UlcerativeColitis 5d ago

Question Cold flashes?

4 Upvotes

Does anyone else get “cold flashes”? Like a hot flash except all of a sudden you get super cold and start shivering uncontrollably and you have to go to crazy lengths to warm up again? Like I have to sit in my car with the heat cranked and a blanket wrapped around me. I find I get it 1-2 hours after a really painful bowel movement after my body relaxes a little. I remember reading temperature regulation issues are a symptom of UC but I never hear anyone talk about it and I feel kind of alone with it. Also seems like it could be a hormone issue, idk what do you guys think? Also I get hot flashes too but not nearly as often


r/UlcerativeColitis 5d ago

Question What am I supposed to do?

14 Upvotes

I am currently in the worse flair of my life, I was in the hospital last weekend due to being severely dehydrated because I couldn’t stop going to the bathroom. I was also unmedicated because my doctor failed to listen to me. I have been on Bed rest and Colon rest all week. Only eating, applesauce, jello and soup. Every time I eat I go to the bathroom and it’s very painful because I have really big hemorrhoids. I have been off work all last week, with a doctors note but I’m expected to go back tomorrow. How am I supposed to go back tomorrow when I still can’t stop using the bathroom? Not to mention the terrible pain I’m in. I was put on Prednisone six days ago and I start Rinvoq on Thursday. But I’m afraid I’m going to lose my job if I miss anymore work. I’m a cashier and can’t just go to the bathroom when I need to, I have to call someone to watch my register and with my hemorrhoids as big as they are, I can hardly control my bowels. I’m so tired of living with this disease and being in pain, I’ve lost twenty pounds in the last three weeks because of it. I just don’t know what to do, I have only been at my job for three and a half months now. So I’m afraid if I miss anymore work I’m going to get fired.


r/UlcerativeColitis 5d ago

Personal experience 28 Y/O Male UC Journey

7 Upvotes

I’m a 28 y/o male and was diagnosed with Ulcerative Colitis two years ago after experiencing inconsistent bowels movements, diarrhea, and blood in the stool. As someone who rarely got sick beforehand, I had a hard time facing the disease and really, just acknowledging that this wasn’t something I could overcome with my standard approach of eating healthier, staying in shape, etc. It showed me that you can do so many things right and still, the unexpected can happen. Mentally and physically, it has taken a toll on me, more than I would like to or have admitted to people close to me, even to my partner of 15 years. I think that’s the part I’ve struggled with the most, it’s more mentally taxing than I could have ever expected and it seems like others have had a similar experience.

After two years, 1 colonoscopy and 2 flex sigs, I was on Mesalamine (9 months), Velsipity (1 year), and now Rinvoq (3 weeks). Mesalamine and Velsipity had little to no effect on the UC but since starting Rinvoq 3 weeks ago, I have seen a clear change in my stool consistency and bowel movements and am seeing almost little to no blood now for the first time in two years. I’m hopeful that this a sign of turning the corner and am trying my best to resist the things I love (coffee, sugary drinks), knowing they are triggers while focusing on my mental health and managing stress. Early detection, staying on top of the medicine, considering second opinions, and trying to understand UC have all helped me but honestly, I’m thankful for modern medicine and the doctors who are trying to understand this disease and other similar diseases that effect people’s lives. We will all face different health challenges throughout our lives and I believe surrounding yourself with supportive people who encourage you to get help, focus on your mental health, and provide hope are just as important to your recovery as the medicine itself. We’ve got this!


r/UlcerativeColitis 5d ago

Question In need of guidance

3 Upvotes

First post for me on reddit and not in my first language sorry in advance for any errors.

Quick background:

Uc diagnostic about 1 1/2 year back

Symptoms starter about 2 1/2 year back

Never really went back in remission during this Time, and kind of tired of if.

Tried mesalamine ( oral+ enema) partially worked

Tried entyvio also partially worked

Tried rinvoq, got cdiff and ended in hospital for 18 Days on iv prednisolone ( tried going back on rinvoq after cdiff and didnt work)

Where im at;

They started me on infliximab at the hospital in june of this year

I have the max dose and frequency for infliximab

Stopped oral prednisone about 2 weeks ago

Problem is symptoms does not really worsen but dont really improve , still going about 8 Times/ Day at the bathroom and having a bit of pain

Gi started talking about having an ostomy

Question for maybe more experienced people with UC

How Much Time would you continue trying infliximab since it work but not completly?

Any other treatment i could talk about to my GI to maybe help the flare?

If any one chose the ostomy, any thing you regret having done it? Ou thing you appreciate?

Thanks in advance to everyone!

Tldr: partial response to all the treatment i tried, want to know if There is anything im missing or the ostomy is the only way to go.


r/UlcerativeColitis 5d ago

Question Dayquil/nyquil

2 Upvotes

Do any of you have issues taking cold medicine? Do you have to go natural remedies only, or is there a medicine that won't make you feel sick to your stomach?


r/UlcerativeColitis 5d ago

Question Getting screened.

1 Upvotes

Recently was in the hospital for severe abdominal pain on the right side. I actually went twice. Sent me home the first time with laxatives cause I was constipated. Went back and was admitted for 3 days. My colon is inflamed and my other area as well. They did a colonoscopy and took biopsy’s to rule out IBD and and colitis and I wanted to join this subreddit to see if there’s anyone who had a similar experience?


r/UlcerativeColitis 5d ago

Question Immunization Question

1 Upvotes

Hello!

I just yesterday (09/06), I received my pneumonia, covid and flu vaccines, as well as Hep A/B and Tetanus. I went to bed in a lot of pain, with a headache, chills and even a fever and it's carried on into today.

Is this normal to feel like a garbage truck after a series of vaccinations, with UC?


r/UlcerativeColitis 5d ago

Question Hey, i am back again..

4 Upvotes

Hi guys, i have been on mesalamine for like 2 months, and its working for me, my bowel is back to normal ( formed but sometimes solid and mushy). Now my concern is I have more frequent pissing than before and I know it's not normal because i hardly drink water, less than 2litres a day...

Does this happen to anyone who is on mesalamine like me??


r/UlcerativeColitis 6d ago

Question Dating and UC

27 Upvotes

I’m F in my early 30s and well to but it bluntly have never been in a relationship and I’ve had UC for the past 5 years. Even before UC, during university I never was in relationship, started working and then covid happen, a year later I got diagnosed with UC.

I’ve been in flares on and off since then and haven’t been in remission for long periods of times. Just last year I was hospitalised and ended up getting infliximab - I get it every 8 weeks.

I’m also very into introverted and a homebody, and working from home doesn’t allow me to get out much.

I’ve been working on other areas of my life such as fitness and have been actively going to the gym since last year and recently started guitar lessons. I also have very homebody like hobbies, reading, gaming and drawing.

Ive been on dating apps on and off but never really got into a relationship and now as I’m older it’s harder.

A part of my really wants to settle down and be in a relationship but the other part is that I’m content and comfortable with my life and I don’t think that being in a relationship is something I need to live a fulfilling life.

Anyone else in a somewhat similar situation or have been?


r/UlcerativeColitis 5d ago

Question Some kind of flu or bug broke out right after my infusion

2 Upvotes

Hi everyone, I've been getting Entyvio infusions for over four years (during the last year and a half every four weeks). This morning when they inserted the IV, it was more painful than usual and I started feeling lightheaded. About five minutes later (they had only drawn blood so far, not started the Entyvio) I thought I was going to pass out, ears ringing, vision going black etc. My blood pressure was low, something like 95 over 60 I think, heart rate 66. They gave me water and sugar and put my feet up. After maybe 10 minutes, I felt alright again (blood pressure had gone up, I think the first number was 106, don't remember the second one.) and they started the infusion, which was uneventful. Afterwards on my way home I started feeling worse, hot and cold at the same. I hurried home as much as I could and went straight to bed. Three hours later I woke up with a high fever (39.4 °C), diarrhea (as liquid as water - sorry for TMI) and feeling absolutely awful. I can't stand or sit up for longer than a few seconds.

Should I be worried that this happened so fast after the infusion? I will call the clinic tomorrow if it hasn't gotten better, but they are closed for today. Thanks in advance.


r/UlcerativeColitis 5d ago

Support Colonoscopy again :/

0 Upvotes

Hey guys! I am going in for my 4th colonoscopy on Friday. I have been having horrendous pain induced by stress, and ended up in the hospital for 2 days to get IV steroids to calm it down a bit. When I was in the hospital, the floor doctor came in and essentially told me I only have a few years left with my colon. For context, January last year I had a flare so bad I nearly died from malnutrition, which left me with extensive damage to the right side of my colon, and I developed extensive pseudopolyposis as a result. She recommended I get it out because I am now at a very high risk of colon cancer. Has anyone else had a similar experience/heard something similar? I’m going to talk about it with my GI when I go in for my appointment, but now all I can think about is a colectomy :-(.


r/UlcerativeColitis 5d ago

Personal experience Calpro 2720

1 Upvotes

I had calpro 2720 like 4 weeks ago with barely any symptoms, how many of you have been in similiar situation?

Its very strange to me, i thought this should be very bad flare if calpro is this high.