Constipation going on 3 weeks now...

Hi guys,

For the past 2-3 weeks I have hardly been able to pass any stool. I go 4-5 times a day, but only leave a minimal amount of stool in the toilet each time.

I am not diagnosed with anything yet, tho they did find ulcers in my large intestine during a colonscopy 2 years ago. I was told that they were most likely caused by crohns because of the pattern. (they were scattered throughout the large intestine). Whatever I have has been mild, with loose stools and no cramping 4-5 times a day. I do however get constipated like this from time to time, but usually it gives in a week or so.

Tonight I decided to take a laxitive, to get things moving. about 20 minutes after I started to feel pain on the left upper side of my naval. I had one small bowel movement that was very thin, and haven't been able to get anything out afterwards. The pain ranges from mild to sharp, and is constant atm.

I guess I am just looking for some input from you. Hoping that someone might have experienced this already and able to give me a hint or two on what I should do.

Thanks...

No pain tonight before the laxitives, but I have had this pain from time to time before.  No diarreah either, jut formed and very thin stool...

Thanks..

I'm not a doctor, so I won't pretend to know what is happening, but in the past laxatives have given me intestinal cramping/pain, nausea, and gas. The thin stool may be signs of narrowing, so I would see your doctor if it continues. I'm hoping others with more experience will chime in soon.

Let us know what happens!

Although collase (a stool softener) gives me horrible gas pains.... Everybody is different!! What works for one, doesn't work for another!

Yankee -- hope your procedure goes well!

Thanks all! I am going to give it the day today, and if it doesn't give by tomorrow morning I will call my doctor. The laxitive didn't do any good at all and all that came out was hot air! hehe... I will try a stool softener today and see if that helps!

Thanks again!

Possibly you are suffering from a partial obstruction. That can indeed cause pain and constipation.

Most laxatives are intestinal irritants, and therefore bad for Crohnies. Any irritant can cause inflammation, and thus pain.

Suggestion 1: Take a probiotic. I don't know of any unpleasant side effects, so this is pretty much risk free.

Suggestion 2: Do you get enough fiber in your diet? If you're not obstructing, adding some fiber (bran, prunes) should be of benefit.

Suggestion 3: Try substituting xylitol for sugar. It can work as a natural laxative. I will confess up front that I don't use xylitol because my current problem is diarrhea, not constipation. See the wikipedia page on xylitol:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Xylitol

If you try xylitol, please let us know how this works out. Of course, if you find that it too causes pain, then stop using it.

best regards,
Robert