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Ulcerative Colitis
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Posted 6/17/2010 1:01 PM (GMT 0)
I'm am experiencing constipation now and I'm not sure what is causing this as I have not changed my diet or meds. I used to go every morning like clockwork! For two months after getting over a terrible flare, I was taking VSL #3 and Metamucil nightly. My meds included Asacol 4 tablets, 3 times a day, rectal enemas twice a week, and fish oil/flaxseed oil every day. All of a sudden, no more poos! Earlier this week, I took two Dulcolax tablets and finally found some relief with some tummy cramping. Unfortunately, I'm back to constipation! : ( Only other symptom I have is loud, gassy tummy noises on left side ONLY after each and every meal.

Has anyone experienced this? Any suggestions? I've read in previous threads that some take Dulcolax or those chocolate ex-lax on a regular basis... Won't that make our tummies "lazy" and won't do the work it's supposed to after awhile?

Please help!
Posted 6/17/2010 1:33 PM (GMT 0)
Are you still taking metamucil? If so, maybe you could try taking it twice a day. Fiber really helps me keep things moving. Also, my doctor recommended adding a little magnesium to my vitamin regime as a way to keep things moving.
Posted 6/17/2010 2:44 PM (GMT 0)
Beware! Sometimes too much fiber can lock you up too...
Posted 6/17/2010 3:26 PM (GMT 0)
UC is such a mystery isn't it?
I'm in the "watch out for C" phase now after years of D. Definitely an improvement (for me) but walking a tightrope weekly.
Like you I don't change things and yet about every 10 days C hits and I have to go on the offensive to fix it.
It seems like you are doing good things (diet, meds, supplements) so it's just one of those UC mysteries, you'll have to be your own detective.

Taking Ex-lax chocolate would be my LAST resort and I haven't done it for years. I think it's too harsh, like the pre-colonoscopy preps.
A nurse friend suggested Citrucel pills which I added and think it's a benefit but it still doesn't prevent C totally taking 4/day.

about magnesium: I added it to my daily intake recently(1 pill daily 250 mg) and it was not good for me at all. Caused tiredness and joint/muscle aches that I never had before and possible more C. Totally opposite of what I expected magnesium to do but there you have it. I was my own guinea pig. Perhaps it would do better for you. Who knows.
Posted 6/17/2010 3:55 PM (GMT 0)
Might think about rectal meds?
Posted 6/17/2010 4:49 PM (GMT 0)
Just want to say it seems sometimes plain oatmeal is the only that that works for me. I also read where you can take a tablespoon of olive oil to help soften stool and get you going. Just put it in orange juice or something it isn't that bad.
Posted 6/18/2010 1:36 AM (GMT 0)
Wow, thanks for the great ideas/suggestions! I will probably increase my Metamucil intake for another 2 a day (total of 4 daily). I also read about the olive oil so I'll try to incorporate it in my cooking dishes.

I suppose if things aren't moving the way they should, I'll try the magnesium. As imagarderner commented, I don't want to have a negative effect on me either even though we are all different with different special tummies. : )

Seems like we all need to find that perfect balance of fiber... detectives indeed!

Thanks all! : )
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