Learned Something NEW About My Colitis Symptoms Yesterday

MomWithUC, your situation sounds somewhat similar to my recent/current flare. It started with being unable to have a normal bm. Only bloody water, and mucous/blood clots for about two weeks. But no pain. I, stupidly, kept eating regularly. One day I got a bit panicky and took some magnesium citrate. Nothing. Then I tried ex lax and beer (not a good idea I subsequently learned). about two hours after taking the second two ex lax pills (12 hours from first two pills), I had a verrry large and somewhat painful bm. Then another about 30 minutes later.

Well, I thought I was ok. But things went downhill from there. During the following two weeks the pain and bloating increased even though I was eating very little. 15 to 20 sitdowns on the toilet per day. Only bloody/brown water with mucous/blood clots for another two weeks. And worsening pain. Then, in another semi-panic I tried the beer/ex lax thing again (repeat, do not do that), and again had a bm of sorts, but not as much as before.

Then it got worse. After drinking very little water and eating almost nothing for 3 days I finally went to the doctor (a PA). A week on 40mg prednisone and little water or food and no improvement. Then to the doctor (PA) again. They took an xray and PA said no blockage and sent me on my way -- no meds, no dietary advice, nothing -- saying that if it persists just go to emergency room. Well, I'm a veteran and the nearest VA hospital is quite a distance, so I asked if it would be at all possible to see an actual GI specialist while at the clinic. Thankfully one was there, and he seemed to know a bit more about this stuff, and put me back on 40mg prednisone and mesalamine ec.

That was this past Thursday. Thursday night severe pain and bloating returned during am hours. Friday I changed my diet to ONLY potatoes, carrots, unsweetened apple juice, fresh baked white bread and as much water as I could tolerate. Friday night pain and bloating were less. Frequent toilet sitdowns, but not as bloody and sometimes bona fide diarrhea. Saturday (yesterday) better. Included baked tilapia and papaya juice. This morning took prednisone with fish, bread and applesauce. Bloat feeling, but no pain. Drank another 16oz water. Tried to bm a few minutes ago. Just reddish brown liquid.

I feel constipated. Unpleasant but not really painful. Apparently, the prednisone and diet changes are having a positive effect. Still, the amount of food and water that I consumed at 8AM should have resulted in a small but not insignificant bm. I'll continue regimen for next few days. If still constipated will return to doctor with suggestions from this forum. No alcohol/ex lax treatment.

I can't help thinking that there's feces (maybe lots) in there that needs to come out. One last question, is it ok to try some sort of enema/laxative before going to doctor, or should I just wait a while longer? I'm not eating much so I don't suppose there's any danger of getting too too toxic. Or is there? Does the feces interfere with the prednisone doing its job and natural healing?

Thanks to all.

I can totally see the diarrhea & constipation thing happening- I mean, when you're flaring, you generally pass lots of blood, mucous, & clot-type things- but not much recognizable stool. You get the urge from the inflammation, not from stool- anything from gas to a change in your body position can make you have the urge. So you go & strain, & nothing much comes out, blood, mucous, etc. Personally, whenever I got on a med (or something!) that seemed to have nearly immediate good results- pred for the 1st time, Remicade the first few times, Humira- I would have a LOT of bm's for the next few days. But, all stool, very little blood, very little mucous, just tons of poop! I have a theory that when your colon is inflamed, it doesn't work properly, the stuff in there just doesn't get moved along & out the way it normally would. It spasms, you get the urge, you push & get nothing but bloody mucous. Even now, the days after a Humira shot are my most productive in terms of stool passage. Prior to the shot, I pass mainly light pink mucous, skinny stools, lots of gas accompanied by mucous. And also, your colon could be narrowed due to scar tissue- I'm sure most of us on here have that going on!

Another near Cleveland, would love to know who your GI is.