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Does UC flareups ever mean constipation?

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Posted 10/18/2009 1:26 PM (GMT 0)
I have the opposite problem that from what im reading UC patients have. In order to keep things running smoothly i take bran each morning, this way I have regular BM's, if I dont take bran I dont go sometimes for two days.
Posted 10/18/2009 1:34 PM (GMT 0)

Yes, UC can be constipation-based.  It wasn't until I had UC for over 10 years that I ever experienced diarrhea as a symptom.

Sue

Posted 10/18/2009 2:44 PM (GMT 0)
Yes, this can definitely happen. In my experience there can be periods of time when there's lots of blood/pus/mucuous loss, but no "movement." Another thing you may want to try is cabbage. I read in "Patient Heal Thyself" that not only does it help movement, like bran, it has lots of healing properties for the digestive tract. I've always had really good luck with it when faced with the problem you're having. You can purchase healthy sauerkraut (sp?) with no chemicals (I buy a brand at Whole Foods called "Bubbies") or you can slice up a cabbage and sautee it in olive oil. I hope this helps!
Posted 10/18/2009 5:30 PM (GMT 0)
Absolutely it can be either a part of healing or the start of a flare.....either way, it would be either mild inflammation or low in the rectum inflammation.

The point is to deal with the inflammation through retention enemas (or if you're totally averse, then suppositories).

Foods that soften and bulk the stool are the way to keep the colon working and moving.

I just want to add that constipation can also happen with IBS....but the treatment of softening/bulking the stool is the same.

quincy
Posted 10/19/2009 12:02 AM (GMT 0)
In my experience I get constipated when the inflammation is in the rectum, and this usually coincides with narrow stool and sometimes bright red blood, maybe a lil bit of mucus.
Posted 10/19/2009 5:41 AM (GMT 0)
I had a serious bout of C while going into remission from may last flare. It irritated by hemorrhoids something awful, and that degenerated into distal rectum inflammation. It's not as bad a flaring, but it's no fun either.

I used prune juice and Metamucil, and finally got it under control, and the inflammation is now gone.

Cabbage, huh? I don't think I can get away with bringing sauerkraut into the house, but I do love kim chee! Too bad it's so spicy! Maybe just a lot of coleslaw.
Posted 10/19/2009 2:11 PM (GMT 0)
I am SO glad to see this post, because I thought it was just me. Right now I think I'm coming out of a flare, but I'm not sure because I have a mix of C and blood/mucus. WHen I'm not in a flare, I have constant C - the kind that means hours in the bathroom.

I take probiotics (Ultimate Flora), Asacol, and flax seed oil. I'd like to add fiber but I'm afraid I'll make myself worse. Any suggestions?
Posted 10/19/2009 2:25 PM (GMT 0)
yes...rectal meds. I'd suggest Rowasa or Salofalk depending on where you live.

you could start with fibre supplements of Metamucil capsules...start with one at each meal for a few days, then up it to two, etc. I take 4 twice a day.

q
Posted 10/19/2009 5:58 PM (GMT 0)
Thanks, Quincy. I look at you as kind of a guru on here. You always have great info.

I've tried Rowasa but it made things worse (how, I don't know). Question about the Metamucil - when you say 4 twice a day, what times of the day are you taking them?
Posted 10/19/2009 6:06 PM (GMT 0)
I agree, UC can present as periods of loose or constipated stool. However, i was never constipated but i'm sure it would be really uncomfortable.
Cant win can we!
Posted 10/19/2009 7:32 PM (GMT 0)
My flare started and ended with constipation.
Posted 10/19/2009 7:37 PM (GMT 0)
How interesting. This is the first I've heard of other people like me, and even my GI doctor's office seems clueless when I ask them about it.
Posted 10/19/2009 8:31 PM (GMT 0)
my GI said it could be constipation or D!
Posted 10/19/2009 8:47 PM (GMT 0)
I was admitted to hospital with flare up with such severe bleeding made worse by the constipation caused by such intense inflamation. Everything was so backed up due to swelling of colon as seen in the xray. It is definately a recognised symptom.

I also get tiny tiny 'movements' caused by the swelling sometimes - tiny little pebbbles. Lovely!

You're not alone!
Posted 10/20/2009 10:04 AM (GMT 0)
wrigley..I use at this time 4 metamucil capsules twice a day (with two meals).


The Rowasa might be something you should try again.....considering you don't know/remember how it made you worse. Did you use it for along period of time?

q
Posted 10/20/2009 5:08 PM (GMT 0)
My only 2 flares have started with constipation. It lasts about 4 days and then boom, bloody D. That is how I know to hang on for the ride.
Posted 10/21/2009 6:00 PM (GMT 0)

I'm glad also to see this post. I haven't been on here for a long while.

I have both constipation and diarrhea or loose stool. I can't seem to get rid of the inflammation. I've had problems with the UC since 2003 when I started showing the symptoms of the frequent urgent needs to go to the bathroom. I feel like I've tried everything. I can't take alot of fiber because it makes it more difficult to go and if I can't go my regular 5 times a day then I'm a woman most miserable.

Someone define flare-ups? If a flare-up is one where you have some if not all symptoms then I've had a flare-up since 2003. No blood in my stool just a constant need to go to the bathroom with some mucous and bloating and some pain. I did have blood until I started treatment.

My doc wanted to start me on enemas but I couldn't afford them and couldn't find a drug company that offered a patient assistance program for them. shocked (consider that my frustrated look)

This is the second time I've dealt with UC. I was first diagnosed in 1980 when I was 5. Rediagnosed in 2006.

Posted 10/22/2009 9:45 PM (GMT 0)
Bowel and rectal problems are so frustrating.  After

a couple years of severe constipation (only able to

go a little with enemas 2x week) severe pain and

bloating and gaining 10 lbs in abdomen area, I

was diagnosed (after going to 2 drs., the first one

said 'take 1/2 cup Milk of Mag 2x day !), the 2nd

doctor immediately ordered all the right tests and

I had to have my large colon removed, just leaving

enough that they could hook up the small bowel with

the rectum.  This was in 2005.  I had lots of

diahrea after that, several times a day, but I was

happy--it took care of the problem.  However, the

last 9 months have been a repeat of what I went

through the first time.  Scared to death that the small

bowel wasn't working, went back to the same doctor,

and he did all the same tests again, all within a week because he was concerned, too.  I'm bloated, constipated, have abdominal pain and discomfort.

The tests (sigmoidoscopy, CT scan and defecology)

all came back okay but the CT scan showed that my

pelvic floor is very low (bladder possibly needs to

be repaired).  He recommended seeing the Urologist. I'm frustrated because I wonder how that can cause my symptoms.  Any thoughts?????????

Thanks!

Linda

Posted 10/22/2009 11:54 PM (GMT 0)
Hi, When I'm flaring I am always constipated. Blood, water, and mucus. I am miserable. Feel full all the time even if I don't eat. I don't want to eat. I have UC for a long time and I've never had D. Cortifoam really helps and it's not that expensive compared to rowassa. I've been flaring since February when the Dr switched me to humira. I am back on on remicade and do the cortifoam. I've had two infusions and I think it's trying to work. It doesn't get better until the inflammation gets better. At least that's how it is with me. I thought I was the only one with C. Drink lots of fluids.
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