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Breaking the cycle

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Crohn's Disease
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Posted 1/25/2011 10:42 PM (GMT 0)
Hey everyone- For the past few months I've been going through bouts of constipation for a few days, then inevitably the bloating, diarrhea, nausea, and pain starts because I haven't gone in a few days. I eat roughage like salad, fruit, wheat bread, whole grains, etc. and even prunes and fiber caps after two days of constipation. I don't really know what I can do different with my diet. This is really affecting my school and work schedule because the flare ups of diarrhea prevent me from going to class sometimes. Just wondering if anyone has any ideas in breaking the cycle of days of constipation followed by diarrhea? Preferably without having to use Metamucil or miralax, I don't want to have to get my body used to that.

Thanks.



21 year old female. College Student. Severe Crohn's diagnosed 11/06.
Meds- Remicade, 6MP, Protonix, Zyrtec, Yaz, Florastor
Posted 1/25/2011 11:16 PM (GMT 0)
I've had similar experiences. It is not fun.

My best advice is to go the other direction - eat soluble fiber (oatmeal) but not as much insoluble fiber. Drink lots of water. Get as much walking into your day as you can.

I found that a lot of this vicious cycle was probably connected to my menstrual cycle. Progesterone slows down long muscles and is notorious for causing slow bowels. The prostaglandins associated with ovulation or the onset of your period causes pelvic cramping and diarrhea in women regardless of whether they have IBD. Are you using any birth control? If you are open to taking birth control pills, that would probably help regulate your bowels as well as your fertility. I'm entering menopause - I had no cycle from Sept. through December and that was a nice rest for my gut.
Posted 1/26/2011 3:26 AM (GMT 0)
Yes, I am taking Yaz birth control. I've noticed taking it helps a bit, but i still have a pretty long period after being on it since May of 2010. I will take your advice of walking more, (i just re-upped at the gym), more water and trying oatmeal. Thank you for your help
Posted 1/26/2011 2:30 PM (GMT 0)
I use stool softners nightly in order to keep things softer and easier to pass. Much better than laxatives, helps me to go at least once a day. Hugs!
Posted 1/26/2011 4:30 PM (GMT 0)
hey kix, I don't want to be negative, and applaud you so much for trying so hard at school with this issue, but that is how my cd started, cons. then bouts of d, then bouts of c, finally huge fever 106, and then major obstruction. all within 2 months. by the way I was 20. I don't want to alarm you, but because you can eat that roughage is a plus in your favor, I use to give myself enema's to help. But your bowels can rely on enema's. so you don't want them to get lazy, I mean I was so yukky feeling from constip. that I was willing to try anything. Online might be your option, going to school is such a wonderful experience for you kids, meeting new college buds, they will be your friends for life. My daughter just grd. and she met friends that were so smart, so nice, and just so much into their edu. that it was great. Do you experience any pain when you eat ?

Posted 1/26/2011 4:56 PM (GMT 0)
I go through the same thing... Its a huge pain in the butt( no pun intended). I hope things work out for you.
Posted 2/3/2011 5:57 PM (GMT 0)
Kix - don't dismiss the Miralax option, it's a great for relief and pretty gentle compared to the others out there. I've used it on occasion for the same problem and it works wonders. Good luck to you.
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