No meds experiment / stricture, blockage question

Hi all,

I posted about a month ago regarding how i had come off of Asacol and then subsequently Colazal (which was a nightmare for me) into a total absence of symptoms. I didn't have diarrhea really or anything - normal stol 1-2x daily, didn't seem to be affected by diet or anything like that.

I woke up Sunday and had normal bowel habits (formed stool etc) but my stomach felt a little irritated. That feeling has continued through the week but if anything I'm experiencing a little bit of constipation. Im still passing stool but it's not diarrhea nor is it normally formed stool it's a combination of both. I have had a normal appetite and I don't feel any pain etc.

I guess what i'm concerned about is the idea of stricture / blockage. I have read extensively about both online - it seems like there would be noticable pain and nausea etc. How common are these ailments to sort of spring up? I have been having 2-3x bowel movements per day just smaller than usual. I don't feel any pain.

I am going to take a couple laxatives tonight and see if I feel less constipated! Any input appreciated.

I think if you're were having issues with narrowing, you would have more severe symptoms. Usually you will be unable to pass gas, and you would likely be experiencing fewer bowel movements.

It really depends on the severity of your disease. It sounds like you've only used 5-ASA's, which is the most mild of the medications of course.

The thing I would be concerned with, is going without any medication. The disease could progress without symptoms, then you could potentially end up with a severe complication, or permanent damage.

If you're going to go without med's. Then perhaps you should be going for regular blood work, and try to get your GI to schedule a regular MRE. Maybe twice a year.