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Ulcerative Colitis and Constant Constipation. Please help!

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Ulcerative Colitis
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Posted 6/4/2015 11:29 PM (GMT 0)
I'm hoping someone can give me some fresh ideas and help me out here! I'm 25 and have had uc for most of my life. I really haven't been having many problems lately...besides the constant constipation. For months I've been battling with this and upon going to my gastro he informed me that the medicine that may help is brand new and not covered by insurance (he hasnt been the biggest help). He advised me to take metamucil and mirolax (enough to make a grown man cringe) daily. Which at first was great...but now months later doesn't seem to make a difference. I am constantly bloated and usually go 4 days or more without using the bathroom. I eat healthy (I'm on a pretty strict diet filled with protein veggies and fruits) and exercise daily. I'm not sure where else to turn besides consulting another doctor. Anyone have this experience? Most of the forums I've reviewed only deal with occasional constipation...mine is all the time every week and its really really making me sick!

any help is highly appreciated :-)
Posted 6/5/2015 12:02 AM (GMT 0)
Pre-UC my colon was constipated as a normal situation. Now in remission C is not a problem but my diet is low in fiber which causes a shutdown of BM's. So have you thought about a diet journal to see what foods could be causing the C? Different veggies have different amounts of fiber. In my case wheat/grains as well as high fiber (nuts, nut butters, raw veggies) cause C.

Some people have done pill cams (me never).
Mesalamine enemas reduced the inflammation that inhibited BM's, Vitamin E suppositories also good.
Eating more healthy oils in your daily food (olive oil, coconut oil) will help, they are both anti-inflammatory as well as making BM's easier.
Posted 6/5/2015 12:07 AM (GMT 0)
A natural laxative that has no side effects and makes you feel terrific is magnesium citrate. Have you tried that yet? I like to mix in some magnesium oxide too.

keep doubling the dose until you feel better!

Post Edited (fightUC) : 6/4/2015 6:10:10 PM (GMT-6)

Posted 6/5/2015 12:12 AM (GMT 0)
aside from the meds eating things to increase fiber is also helpful
I make a really easy pear compote (or stewed pears) just dice them up, add to boiling water with cinnamon and lemon juice and when the pears are soft and the liquid starts to thicken its done.
also tea with a lot of honey
and maybe you should see a different GI if yours is not helpful
Posted 6/5/2015 12:45 AM (GMT 0)
Imagardener - please tell me more about the vitamin E suppositories to help alleviate the inflammation that blocks the movement. I'm struggling with that and I'm allergic to sulfa, so Rowasa isn't an option and we couldn't locate sfRowasa here. I was shocked that no one even carried Cortifoam - we had to call 3 major pharmacies before one carried it, and they didn't have it in stock! I am miserable too - good thread. Thanks for starting it, Caitydidz.
Posted 6/5/2015 12:49 AM (GMT 0)
Cortifoam is back ordered
I was able to get it at jewel osco but both cvs and Walgreens couldn't get it for me
You can also try a hospital outpatient pharmacy
Posted 6/5/2015 1:01 AM (GMT 0)

CGK1998 said...
Imagardener - please tell me more about the vitamin E suppositories to help alleviate the inflammation that blocks the movement. I'm struggling with that and I'm allergic to sulfa, so Rowasa isn't an option and we couldn't locate sfRowasa here. I was shocked that no one even carried Cortifoam - we had to call 3 major pharmacies before one carried it, and they didn't have it in stock! I am miserable too - good thread. Thanks for starting it, Caitydidz.

Where are you located where they do not have sfRowasa??? We should let MEDA know, they would love new customers!
Posted 6/5/2015 1:56 AM (GMT 0)
Hi Caitydidz,

I'm so sorry you're suffering so terribly with your constipation, I know how awful it can be and it's not only scary but it's painful too...by any chance have you tried Glycerin suppositories? My GI is planning to try suppositories for my IBS-constipation in a few more months (right now I'm working with a dietitian that my GI recommended to me) as well as a therapist that also specializes with IBD and other bowel issue patients to see if I can straighten my IBS-C out (my crohn's colitis is currently in remission).

I agree that you should maybe see if you can find a new GI, I would think your GI should have mentioned Glycerin suppositories for you or something else that is safe to use frequently and for severe constipation (mine currently is not as severe as your's as I still am able to pass bowel movements (5 or more a day) but it's not a great feeling when it's so much work and painful.

I hope you find relief soon, it's heartbreaking reading posts like this when you have a pretty good idea what the other person is going through.

(((HUGS)))
Posted 6/5/2015 2:05 AM (GMT 0)
Imagardener - please tell me more about the vitamin E suppositories to help alleviate the inflammation that blocks the movement.

I get Carlsson Vitamin E suppositories on Amazon. Pretty cheap and they are a fill-in between enemas and Canasa. They are not "strong" medicine but offer definite benefits for reluctant BM's, I use at bedtime, same time as the others. Smaller in size than Canasa. Honestly, I am down to using very few rectals but do keep them on hand just in case.
Posted 6/5/2015 3:42 AM (GMT 0)
Thanks y'all. FightUC- I'm in Charlotte, NC. I was really surprised that they had to call so many places to even get the Cortifoam. I'm going to call around to some smaller pharmacies to see if anyone can help me- it just seems bizarre that no one could even order the SfRowasa.
Posted 6/5/2015 2:52 PM (GMT 0)
Caitydidz - how are you doing? Hope you are better today and making progress. I drank some strong green tea this morning and that did give me a little relief this morning, but hoping for more through the day! Good luck - what a terrible feeling this is. :(
Posted 6/5/2015 4:28 PM (GMT 0)
Caitydidz, how are your exercise levels? I've heard that increasing physical activity can help move things along in the bowels for patients with constipation issues. I'm sure it has limitations but extra exercise is good for everyone...
Posted 6/5/2015 4:29 PM (GMT 0)
Thanks everyone! I've tried a few natural laxatives and have unfortunately experienced extreme cramping from them even at the lowest dosage. I haven't tried suppositories in years so that may need to be my next step! I keep reading that prune juice has been helpful to some and will be trying that as well. Unfortunately haven't had any relief once again today but I'm staying hopeful and looking into some other doctors if I don't have success with the suppositories. Suffering through this is always miserable and I'm just ready for some normality!
Posted 6/6/2015 12:19 AM (GMT 0)
I also wanted to share that some of your meds could cause C. In my son's case, he has regular BMs until we did 50,000 IU Vitamin D supplement course for 8 weeks - after that he had 3 months of consistent constipation (3+ days at a time). It has now settled back to normal.
Posted 6/9/2015 9:37 PM (GMT 0)
Tried some natural laxatives again and didnt experience as much cramping this time, but only relieved for 2 days and I'm back to not being able to go to the bathroom (I'd hate to use them only a daily basis-unless its safe to do so). I'm not on any new medication..been on the same meds for years so I know thats not the issue. I work out 6-7 times a week and have a balanced diet so all of those health options are surpassed! Thank you ALL for your suggestions, I'm going to be testing out a few supps. and consulting a new GI. Again, thank you all!
Posted 6/15/2015 10:31 AM (GMT 0)
Hi Caitydidz,

I had constant constipation for the first year or two that I had UC. My doctor prescribed Linzess. Is this what your insurance won't cover? Because it worked well for me, although I had to keep playing with the dosage until constant C switched to constant D.
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