1. Community
  2. Gut, bowel and stomach
  3. Ulcerative Colitis

Newly diagnosed with UC

Posted , 7 users are following.

stella96254
stella96254

just diagnosed last week after a colonoscopy and really struggling with the foam enema, one day it seems to work next day not, my doctor did it for me the first day and i succeeded once since then failed twice 

Do we always feel it?

0 likes, 11 replies

11 Replies

  • pca
    pca stella96254

    Posted

    Hi Stella. 

    I'm so sorry you've developed UC, but there will be plenty of help available here from those of us who have also joined one of the many clubs of which no one wants to be a member!!

    Like you, I was initially prescribed a foam enema (Asacol, ion my case) immediately after I had undergone my colonoscopy and been diagnosed with the wretched complaint.  I found the foam enemas impossible to use successfully. I had no problems in getting the foam inside, but I just could not keep it there, despite my best efforts. In no time at all, it would all bubble out and make a huge mess on the floor. Althoiugh it looks white, it leaves a horrible black stain on carpets and fabrics. 

    Based upon my experiences, I would strongly suggest that you see your GP or consultant as a matter of urgency and ask to be prescribed either the drug (I'm assuming it is mesalazine) in either tablet form and/or as a daily suppository.

    I don't wish to alarm you, but you may not yet be aware that those of us UC sufferers are about 3 times more likely to develop DVTs (deep vein thrombosis), so the quicker you can get yourself into remission, the better.  I was unaware of this until I developed a serious DVT in my right leg which has let me with damaged veins, post thrombotic syndrome and in a very vulnerable position when I have my hips replaced, hopefully successfully, next year. Please do see your GP/consultant asap; I would hate you to end up in the state I now find myself.

    With warmest good wishes for your future and kindest regards,

    Peter     

     

    • gregeric
      gregeric pca

      Posted

      I've also struggled with mesalazine foam enemas, soon finding their way out. Sitting on the loo is the safest place for me to apply it, but even there you have to be careful not to get it on the plastic seat as it will stain even that.

      The first brand I used was the Salofalk, and nowhere in the leaflet does it warn about its staining properties. Their advice to use it with one leg propped on a chair seems somewhat reckless with regards to your furnishings.

      On my repeat prescription I was given Asacol branded mesalazine foam enema. The leaflet in that at least does warn about its staining properties. The delivery tube on that one is a wee bit longer than the Salofalk, maybe that helps it get further up, but the squared off end is a bit "sharper" than the tapered, lubricated, Salofalk one.

  • millie1986
    millie1986 stella96254

    Posted

    Hey! I was the same I had two types of foam the first was in like a canister and stir right up... And yes you will feel it when you use it... I found it an absolute nightmare to use and I couldn't really keep it in!!!!!

    I then had another foam which was unsuccessful too.. The mezaline suppositories are. God send for me and really good!!!!!!!!!

    Im also on steroids b other stuff

    Honestly so sorry you have this it's a nightmare xxz

    • stella96254
      stella96254 millie1986

      Posted

      Thanks Millie i have succeeded twice this week but failed again today even though i pressed the button three times.

       I am just scared to try again getting so fed up in 10 days i have had it 5 times i think it cant be good for me the way I am using it but it is just not working some of the time. I have told my doctor but cant get appt for tomorrow now  the bleeding has not stopped so i need to use it every day.

       Do you think i might be able to get the suppositories?

    • millie1986
      millie1986 stella96254

      Posted

      Yes I do!!!! My doctor even said to me yesterday that this isn't his expert field...

      The more we read up on things the better id say it helps them! Don't be shy to ask for them xx

  • MrMan
    MrMan stella96254

    Posted

    The Salofalk branded Foam enemas and liquid enemas are the best I've tried. They cost more than the Asacol brand to the NHS. They are better packaged, self lubed and just easier to administer than the Asacol ones

    But I also experience the issue of keeping the foam inside as it gives me the urgency to pass it. The liquid is better and easier to keep in.

    I have found attempting the foam the 2nd or 3rd time each evening makes it easier to keep in. But you do end up wasting a couple of squirts / doses each time.

    I would suggest requesting the Salofalk branded foam and the Salofalk liquid enemas and alternating between them on different nights.

    Administer either one just before you go lay down on your left side, normally before bedtime. This will help it stay in.

    The Foam contains 1g of mesalazine while the Liquid contains 2g per dose.

    The foam is generally better for reaching further up the colon if you have inflammation there as it expands. Its kind of a good sign you have been given the enemas as it means your inflammation is mainly in the lower part of the colon so this allows you to hit it from both ends.. Tablets and enemas combined.

    The key is not to panic or stress over this. In time you will get used it and administer the foam / liquid quickly and easily. Look at it as no big deal and you will be fine.

    Likewise, don’t stress over things in general, eat well overall and your colitis shouldn’t flair up too often.

  • stella96254
    stella96254

    Posted

    Thanks very much for you advice just spoken to my doctor she said try again tonight and see how it goes.

     Mine is prednisolene foam enema it seemed to be very little when the doctor did it so not having troulbe retaining it just making the canister work.

    I am also on asacol tablets 3 times a day.

    ​I am indeed very  sorry to read what happened to you PCA and hope you will be well soon 

     

  • pca
    pca stella96254

    Posted

    Hi Stella,

    I am aware that there are different brands of mesalazine available, but what the differences may be, I honestly don't know.  Certainly your pharmacist or GP will be able to enlighten you.

    Thank you for your kind good wishes, which I very much appreciate. God willing, the hip replacements will be fine, and this time next year I'll be considerably more mobile than I am at the moment.

    With kindest regards and all good wishes,

    Peter

     

  • kittd
    kittd stella96254

    Posted

    Hi Stella, sorry you've joined this club no-one wants to join. I have proctitis & ibs (which makes me constipated). Over the past few yrs I've tried foam enemas. They didn't work but I currently use Salofalk 2g liquid enemas which work much better and stop constipation. I use it before bed & it stays in except on one occasion when I sneezed! My chemist said these are more expensive so possibly why I wasn't given them initially.

    I'd try the foam enemas maybe a few days but if you're still having trouble you should contact your ibd nurse if you have one. If not, ring your Consultant's secretary and explain, hopefully you'll get different medication. Do you have a follow up clinic appointment?

    Hope you can get your medication sorted.

    Kitti x

  • stella96254
    stella96254

    Posted

    thanks for your message kitti

    Not got a follow up appointment yet but might have one next week 

    I will try this again at 12.30 as my doctor told me to 

     My colitis is in the sigmoid bit i think.

    If i dont get better using this enema I will ask for that one as i need the bleeding to stop.

    We dont have an IBD nurse such a shame we need one here and i am going to try to ask for them to get one it is not fair she would have been great for me they say not enough resources yet other areas have one

     

    • looloo43
      looloo43 stella96254

      Posted

      Hi Stella. i found the liquid enemas very effective but quite difficult to administer especially when very sore in the rectum. i used to use a major chemists own brand lubrication gel to assist administering around rectum & on tip (1st inch) of applicator to help. but wipe any gel away after as it can cause irritation if left. the liquid enemas go further round the bowel i was told. you do need to follow the instructions for positioning yourself to administer & after lie on your stomach for 7-10mins to allow it to settle around you whole colon & this helps it stay in & stop urge to go to loo. after 10mins i used to find it really soothed the colon pain before bed. the foam enema - i had colifoam, was easier to apply, i used to put one leg up on the bath & do it as colifoam has a pump applicator. found this easiest way & it did stay in. again lubrication gel helped applicator go up when very sore. never use vaseline to lubricate application as vaseline creates a barrier so enema doesnt absorb so well - the lubrication gel is water based so doesnt give that prob. i found the colifoam did help & easier to apply, but not as effective as the liquid enemas which were difficult to apply. suppositories are good - again you assist putting these up with a little lubrication gel makes it easier if you are sore & inflamed, but they dont travel right round colon, but good if your main area of trouble is rectum & sigmoid colon. once you feel suppository is far enough up, clench your bum cheeks together for a minute & breath in, it helps to kind of suck it up properly & keep it in! hope this helps x
Back to top

Report or request deletion

Thanks for your help!

We want the community to be a useful resource for our users but it is important to remember that the community are not moderated or reviewed by doctors and so you should not rely on opinions or advice given by other users in respect of any healthcare matters. Always speak to your doctor before acting and in cases of emergency seek appropriate medical assistance immediately. Use of the community is subject to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy and steps will be taken to remove posts identified as being in breach of those terms.