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Unusual UC prob.. Need help

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Posted 3/22/2012 4:46 AM (GMT 0)
Hello all,

I recently went through a short flare. It was really bad. But between remicade and rectal meds I would say I'm out of the flare. No longer doing rectal meds. No problems whatsoever. Now I've gone to the opposite extreme in regards to my bms. The last few mornings I've been stuck in toilet: sweating, shaking, straining, trying to get hard pebbly stools out. Each day now, I have increased my fiber intake through fruits & vegetables. And have increased my water intake.

Has anyone else ever struggled with this problem? Or have any suggestions of a safe way to help it without causing UC problems to arise.

Thank you.
Posted 3/22/2012 7:04 AM (GMT 0)
Yes...that was the most difficult time during the during many foares. You're not quite out of your flare, with still having some limited inflammation in the rectum.

I suggest you get back on the enemas, increasing food/water/fibre intake is good as well. Maybe add a cup or two of coffee to stimulate the colon a bit more.

feel better soon,
q
Posted 3/22/2012 12:00 PM (GMT 0)
I find that a tbsp of slippery elm powder mixed in several ounces of juice soothes and smooths the process. I use cranberry juice or a mix of apple/cran.

Can also use a slippery elm enema mixture instead of a rectal mesalamine to wash out and soothe inflammation.
Posted 3/22/2012 2:19 PM (GMT 0)
Thanks for tips...

Another painful morning after yesterday drinking nearly a gallon of water, huge bowl of broccoli & black beans, apples, etc.
Posted 3/22/2012 3:43 PM (GMT 0)
Those foods will cause you more gas possibly...(I'd be in agony)...try the rectal meds for sure.
q
Posted 3/22/2012 3:58 PM (GMT 0)

agree with quincy about continuing the rectal meds, even a couple times a week

can you add a fiber supp like psyllium seed powder or psyllium husk (metamucil).

I have had similiar problem, once flare starts to subside i get a bit contipated

Posted 3/22/2012 4:07 PM (GMT 0)
sorry, to hear that. I remember being there... In my case, taking regularly fiber and Metamucil helped. Twice a day if I recall right. Now I take fiber twice and slippery elm bark once a day and everything is smooth.
Hope it helps.
Posted 3/22/2012 5:34 PM (GMT 0)
Prunes/prune juice is always good to have on hand...it's the healthiest, most effective way to deal with matters like this...without the caffeine from coffee, which can be upsetting to some IBDers in general.

Good luck and feel better soon, I know exactly what you're experiancing and it's not fun....heck, if I ever had to choose between D and C I would definitely pick D cuz at least with D you get the relief of expelling your bowels.
Posted 3/22/2012 6:30 PM (GMT 0)
Again thank you so much for your suggestions. I'm a little confused about using rectal meds again. Thinking that will make it worse/ more constipated. (But I do trust all of my fellow UC sufferers. And think our forum is the best)
I just bought slippery elm, & physillium husk.
Posted 3/22/2012 6:35 PM (GMT 0)
There's no guarantee that rectal meds will aid with your constipation-like issues, but it likely won't hurt anything to use them if you want to....definitely give the prunes a try and see how that goes, just remember that a little goes a long way, so half a cup of prune juice/day or 1-2 prunes/day should suffice.
Posted 3/22/2012 7:39 PM (GMT 0)
I agree with using the rectal meds - for some reason whenever I stop them I get constipated.  I also get constipation when not in a flare - its actually one of my worst symptoms I'd say when in remission.  But I've noticed getting to (hopefully) the end of a current flare I bounce back and forth between constipation and going alot during the day.  I take Metamucil twice a day and it helps a bit. Also I will drink a bit of apple juice if its really bad although that can just add to the gas problems I already have. 
Posted 3/22/2012 7:48 PM (GMT 0)
I think you could be eating too much fiber (guess I'm alone in this opinion) because this happens to me with insoluble fiber. I stick with soluble fiber as much as possible for less C.
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