I've had a jpouch for around 5 years now and have regular flare ups (every 6-12 months). I've been treated with a bunch of different things but last night I went to the ER and was prescribed pentasa. I could only get the oral version at the pharmacy and I have that, but I'd love to hear some experiences with it. Is it ok with my jpouch? Is it likely to cause other side effects? Since my jpouch/colitis is usually manageable I try to avoid harsh meds (antibiotics, steroids, etc) and haven't had pentasa before. I've seen some discussions on the enema, but I'm wondering about oral--especially since it's going through my whole system. Any feedback is appreciated!
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“Flare-up” isn’t specific enough to base a treatment choice on. Do you know what the ER diagnosis was? Do you have a gastroenterologist?
There are some reasons a person with a J-pouch might reasonably be using Pentasa, but that’s a choice that would rarely be good if made in the ER. ERs barely know what J-pouches are most of the time, much less what can go wrong with them.
Thanks Scott. As for diagnosis, I think his was acute proctitis. Symptoms are tenesmus and pain. Sometimes ER docs will give me antibiotics, sometimes I just use belladonna suppositories (my GI prescribed these). The problem is that I just moved across the country so I don't have a family doctor or a gastroenterologist. I was a little concerned about this prescription, since I've never been prescribed it in the ER before and like you said, most ER docs don't even really know what a j-pouch is. Just wondering if it's overkill or if it could be harmful at all. Thinking I might try calling my old specialist's office.
Pentasa is often prescribed for colitis. Whether it’s safe for a jjpouch or not I’m not sure but GI’s often throw anything they can at pouchitis.. Are your issues in the pouch or anal area? I’m completely baffled at how I can be sick as a dog struggling to empty my pouch with horrifying anal pain and fissures and after two to three days on Cipro i feel like a brand new person.
I keep being told i need surgery as i have a stricture at the outlet connection causing all my misery but it amazes me after I start the Cipro i can once again easily empty my pouch and the burning anal canal pain w fissures subsides. This stricture seems to just be inflammation in cuff to me. I’ll never get this jpouch.