Any Ideas?

Lets see if I can make this short.

I was dx with UC in 2004. Had my initial flare, got it under control in about 4 months and have been fine since. A few very little "blips" now and then but nothing to really talk about.

Maintenance meds were 3 Colazal tabs a day. That's 3 a day NOT 3 3x a day. As mentioned all good.
about 8 weeks ago constipation sets in. I figure it happens to most on occasion. Go on Metamusal. Not much help. Next I try Miralax. Works fine. Figure OK now I can slowly get off the Miralax. Not!
Back to constipation.
Figure now is the time to go see my GI Dr. Which I do.
I tell him the whole story. He has and reviews my history. Last C scope 16 months ago. 100% clear. That's two in a row now.... clear.

Figure for sure he's going to say lets do another scope. He doesn't. Tells me to go on a pro-biotic. I do. Also says I can use the Miralax "as needed". Well for me it's been needed every day.
Use it, I'm fine. All moving well.
Will add...no blood, no pain, no fever. Just const.

Will also add I'm confident in my Dr (maybe until now). I call his office figuring it's best I get back in and update him. He's on vacation for the next 3 weeks. Next appt is July 10th.
One last thing. I just about stopped passing gas which for me is very strange. Not completely stopped but not often at all.

I did up my meds to what I was on during my initial flare. 3 tabs 3x a day. Just started that about 3 days ago.

Sure has me confused.

Thoughts?

this might be an ideal use for nightly drink of aloe vera juice

I've been constipated with my crohn's affecting my colon and rectum and even just my colon. My GI does strongly suspect I developed IBS due to having CD for so long and in a constant flare with it the entire time since getting sick.

I'd go on rectal meds if needed. Sounds like I do. Problem is my Dr is on vacation as stated. That's one of the things I want to speak with him about. I've never been on these meds before and really don't know anything about what/how to use them.
I guess I'll just have to wait until July before I'll be able to have this discussion.

Are rectal meds something that can be purchased over the counter?

Pooper Bowl Champ said...
Are rectal meds something that can be purchased over the counter?

Nope -- prescription only stuff. I assume they are talking about Rowasa enemas, which are a meslamine-based medication like your current oral Colazal is. Rowasa comes in 60ml bottles, one bottle is one dose. The other option is Canasa pills which are also taken rectally, again meslamine-based, which would be good for your proctitis as well.

Pooper Bowl Champ said...
I'd go on rectal meds if needed. Sounds like I do. Problem is my Dr is on vacation as stated. That's one of the things I want to speak with him about. I've never been on these meds before and really don't know anything about what/how to use them.
I guess I'll just have to wait until July before I'll be able to have this discussion.

Are rectal meds something that can be purchased over the counter?

Has anyone's doctor ever actually taught them how to use rectal meds? I relied on the Internet and the instructions on the box...

Anyway, there must be another doctor covering for your GI. You don't really need to be seen or to have someone hold your hand through starting enemas. There's virtually zero risk involved with mesalamine enemas (Rowasa), especially since you're on oral 5ASA already -- the major downside to be concerned about is staining your sheets (lay down an old towel while you're getting the hang of it). I would call and ask to be put in touch with the covering GI, and request that a prescription for Rowasa be phoned in for you.

My first GI was on vacation like five times in the couple of months shortly after I was diagnosed, my pred taper schedule was thrown off because of her f-ing vacations, don't let your doctor's social life dictate your care.

Yeah, I do Cortifoam standing up

I wrote a post a while back about how to do enemas here: itslikethisuc.blogspot.com/2013/01/retention-enema-tips.html

It's great all looked clear...huge contratulations!!!

when will you get your biopsy results?

q