HealingWell
Search Close Search
☰

flare up or something else?

Support Forums
>
Ulcerative Colitis
✚ New Topic ✚ Reply
❬ ❬ Previous Thread |Next Thread ❭ ❭
Posted 8/19/2010 3:19 PM (GMT 0)
I've been off of prednisone for almost a month now and feeling great, especially after eliminating all dairy. about 5 days ago I began experiencing gas, bloating, and then diarrhea. It's been continuing without any relief, even tried Imodium. I also have stomach cramps at times, but not lower abdominal pain, like with a usual flare up. It feels like nausea, as if I have the flu. Also, I have not experienced any bleeding or mucus with the diarrhea, which makes me wonder if this is truly a flare again. I do not have a fever and I have not vomited.

Anyone have any experience or ideas to share?

Thanks!

Laura
Posted 8/19/2010 7:47 PM (GMT 0)
Could be if it's increasing. Do you have nausea as well?

Please consider rectal meds. ARe you still on the Asacol dosage in your siggie?

Rather than taking Imodium (if it is a bug...flu is respiratory...you want it out, not to stay in), you should be taking a fibre supplement and double your probiotics.

q
Posted 8/20/2010 1:57 AM (GMT 0)
It started 5 days ago with severe stomach cramps, then gas, bloating, and finally diarrhea (lots of bile). Now I just have diarrhea several times a day and major rectal pain and burning. I'm a wreck, yet no mucus or bleeding still, which has always accompanied a flare up. I still have occasional nausea.

I think a fiber supplement would kill me. I eat a very high fiber diet already and my nutritionist has me cut way back on fruits and veggies when I'm in this place to avoid further irritation.

I changed my signature to include new meds, etc.

Any other ideas?

Thanks!
Posted 8/20/2010 2:50 AM (GMT 0)
rectal pain upon having bms....like it expelling on its own with you whimpering in agony?? lol...that's what happens to me which I call white-knucklers.
If yes, you're flaring.

You do need rectal meds...pronto, truly. I'd suggest the Rowasa retention enemas.

The fibre I was thinking about was metamucil capsules, not fruits and veggies. Different kind of fibre.

Double the UFCC probiotic, take it at night before bedtime at least an hour after your meds. 2 hours would be better.
Have you never been on rectal meds at all?

Keep us posted.
q
Posted 8/21/2010 2:53 AM (GMT 0)
No, I've never been on rectal meds, other than canasa at first, which did nothing as my colitis spread. I've suggested it to my GI and they didn't think it would work. I'm honestly disappointed as I think the people here on this forum know way more than they ever will!
Today I went to my GP to see if it was stress, an infection, or food poisoning. Nope. There was no blood in my stool, but high white blood cell count, so she suspects a flare. :( She only put me on a quick 12 days of prednisone to stop the diarrhea. I sure hope it works, but I think I might call my GI and insist on rectal meds. I know the burning was from going 5 times in a matter of hours, but things have always been troublesome in that area and then progresses upwards. I'm curious about psyllium/Metamucil. I wonder if it would work and would like to hear more. Thanks for the advice and support!

Laura
Posted 8/21/2010 1:24 PM (GMT 0)
Hi Laura -
Why does your GI think the rectal meds won't work? Is it because your colitis is all throughout your colon...?
If that's the case, gosh, I have found that that the rectal meds help me anyway, because if the bottom of my system is soothed by the rectal meds, I am in general more comfortable. And, as you say, the flares start at the bottom and travel upwards... so why not jump on the problem with the rectal meds? I'm not a doc, but it makes sense to me. Hmmm.
I have heard some docs don't like to prescribe them because they think the patients won't use them..... but, goodness.
Canasa just doesn't go far enough up into the colon. I like it for rectal inflammation, but not for a real flare - which for me involves tissue higher than Canasa can reach.

I started taking metamucil 24 years ago, at my GI's suggestion, in part (his words) so I "would never have to strain again." I find it clumps my stools together, adds bulk to them, and makes them more comfortable to pass - takes away that involuntary straining/spasming. I am very uncomfortable each year when I have to be without Metam. for 5 days prior to my annual scoping!
My son's GI also recommends fiber supplements; they recommend Metamucil or Benefiber, usually.
With any of them I'd start at a small dose and work into the recommended dose.
Good luck, and keep us posted on how you're doing!
✚ New Topic ✚ Reply