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Posted 5/27/2015 3:13 AM (GMT 0)
Hi y'all!
A little bit of my background:
I have ulcerative proctitis, diagnosed about 3.5 years ago, currently in remission. I've had constipation my whole life. Had a colonoscopy a few months ago. Since then, my bowels seem to be working extra slow. Much worse than usual. And hemorrhoids have really been bad- bleeding when I pee even.

I exercise regularly, eat a pretty balanced diet- no restrictions as nothing seems to effect me, at least as far as I have been able to rule out. I try to avoid laxatives if possible, but even those don't do much for me. Do colon massages. Tried high fiber, low fiber, gluten free, dairy free, oils, etc. Drink lots of water.

Anyone have any suggestions on how to get my bowels functioning normally (normally for me anyways) again? Words of wisdom? Similar experience?
Thanks everyone!

Post Edited (BAMS) : 5/26/2015 9:17:42 PM (GMT-6)

Posted 5/27/2015 12:48 PM (GMT 0)
What are you using to treat the proctitis? A steriod suppository might be in order. Would help the proctitis and REALLY help the hemmies but they can't be used long term.

For me the key is water. I immediately feel it if I'm not drinking a lot of water.
Posted 5/27/2015 1:44 PM (GMT 0)
I have a similar struggle.

For a while I was using miralax daily. This did keep my bowels moving, but the stool was mushy and messy.

I also tried a stimulant laxative, sennakot. That worked well, but is not advisable for the long term.

Now I take psyllium everyday, and I try and make sure to have a diet high in legumes. This is what seems to work best for me. Also, regular vigorous exercise and yes, drinking a lot of water.

It sounds like you are doing a good job of experimenting with your diet. I'm sorry this is a struggle for you.

I agree with sherbear that rectal meds might be a good idea. I've recently resumed using canasa because I think my remission is pretty much over.
Posted 5/27/2015 5:52 PM (GMT 0)
It's great that you exercise regularly, but are you by chance doing heavy weight lifting? That can really impact the hemorrhoid issue negatively so you might want to adjust for that.

Are you getting enough fiber daily to aid with the hemorrhoids? If you struggle with fiber via food you might consider taking supplement pill form and increase you water intake to make up for the fiber is key as well as sticking to it daily....I use Metamucil psyllium fibre caps as well as eating fiberous foods daily (I am having issues with my IBS-constipation so I'm using fibre to help combat that issue, my crohn's colitis is in remission with Humira....crohn's colitis is crohn's affecting the colon).

What medications are you currently on? I read that you're in remission but assuming you're still taking maintenance meds for your UC?
Posted 5/27/2015 6:02 PM (GMT 0)
Rectal meds as a for sure.....add the rest accordingly.

q
Posted 5/27/2015 9:10 PM (GMT 0)
Thanks y'all. I use Canasa just a few times a week for maintenance. I've done psyllium before, but it's been a while. Maybe I'll try that again. I feel like my hemorrhoids are the biggest issue, but they're a bigger issue because of my chronic constipation. Gotta love the vicious cycle that is our disease huh?
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