Cramping - New Symptom

I've been experiencing some cramping for the past month or so and it has increased in frequency over the past few days.  It usually precedes a BM, but sometimes just gas throughout the day.  Cramping is not a symptom I've experienced in the past with my UC. 

I know it is a symptom of UC and believe I am starting to flare.  Wondering could this indicate my UC is spreading further?  Last flex sig indicated mild inflammation in the rectum.

Thanks!

I am already using rectal meds (Rowasa pm/Canasa am).  Just not doing the trick this time as it has in the past.  Just concerned since this cramping is a symptom I've not had in the past with flares. 

I've got a Flex Sig scheduled for Tuesday so we will see.

Thanks!

I've used enemas and suppositories as part of my maintenance & flare treatment for 20+ years.  Was on a maintenance dose (every third night), but after seeing some blood and increased frequency, I've been using the enemas nightly for about 6 months and suppositories in the am for about 3 months.  Prior to that I was on a maintenance schedule using enemas and suppositories. 

Cramping began about two months ago.  At first occasionally prior to BM and progressively more frequent.  In the last week or so, it has been much more frequent.  Sometimes w/BM, sometimes just gase.  Cramps are throughout lower abdomen - can't really pinpoint a specific location. 

Went from 1-2 BMs formed but soft to 2-3 (sometimes 4) not as formed. 

As I mentioned in earlier post, have tried the cortenemas.  First few days are good, then seem to see more blood than with mesalamine enemas.  Have tried several times with same result. 

I am female, 52 - went through menopause 5 years ago. 

I've changed my diet dramtically over the past two and 1/2 months.  I was tested for food allergies at the end of April which showed I had allergies to milk and beef as well as a gluten intolerence.  As a result, I've eliminated all gluten, milk and beef from my diet. 

I don't take any fish or flax oils. 

Only new addition is increased calcium. 

I also take 4.8g of Lialda daily. 

Seems as if the mesalamine, both oral and rectal, is just not working for me as well as it had previously. 

I have tried azulfadine, Asacol, AsacolHD, Apriso and currently on Lialda.  Have spoken to doctor about Colozal, but as yet have not tried it.

Why do you suggest 1/2 enema and night?

I am on fiber supplements - Metamucil - 2 capsules 2x day.  Have tried probiotic, but not religiously. 

Had a stool sample done a month ago - negative for c diff - dropped off another at the lab this morning to ensure we didn't miss it the first time.

See my GYN annually - last appt was November 2010.  Everything normal at that time. 

I tried earlier in the year to reduce the Lialda dosage - seemed to have more symptoms when I did.  I will say that lately I have been seeing undissolved tablets in the toilet - casing is gone, but tablets are in tact. 

I do take the Lialda at one time in the morning.  Do you think splitting the dosage might help?

Stools are different everytime!  Sometimes formed, but very soft, sometimes a bit looser, sometimes fluffy and floating.  Very infrequently are they well formed.

I have been eating gluten free products - cereals, breads, pasta, etc.  Chicken, turkey, some pork, eggs, soups without dairy or gluten, soft fruits.  Have not been eating as much since the cramping started.  Just not as enjoyable as it used to be.

Not as much urgency as I have had in the past, sometimes a bit more than others. 

I do have the RenewLife in the fridge so will start it again tonite.  Didn't really see a different the last time I took it (about 5 weeks or so).  Not sure exactly what result I should be looking for though from the probiotic.

I take the Lialda with food as is instructed for this med.  I was on my rectal meds when I decreased the Lialda.  They have always been my "go to" med.  Used to work like a charm - improvement the next day.  Just no longer the case.  Not sure if the UC gets more difficult to treat or the meds become less effective over time.

Difficult to pinpoint location of cramping - throughout lower abdomen and not restricted to left or right side.  Can't tell if it's large or small intestine.  Also hard to pinpoint timing.  Sometimes they start about an hour after eating and are relieved with I have a BM.  Today for instance, started about 11:30 a and were off/on all afternoon at varying intensity. 

Usually eat about 6:30 p and don't go to bed until 10:00 or 10:30 p.  I'll try two tonite.  What specific improvement or changes did you see and how long did you take them before seeing the improvement?

No artificial sweetners or protein shakes have been added to my diet. 

Aloe Soc, yes I am familiar with it. I've taken it for gas.

But with homeopathy, you have to match the symptoms EXACTLY or it won't help.

Since you're matching your symptoms exactly (as this was prescribed for you), that's why it's helping you bananagirl, and that's great.

Whatever happened with your allergy testing?