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Uc and painkillers

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Ulcerative Colitis
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Posted 3/25/2016 2:26 AM (GMT 0)
So I can't find anything about this topic online, so I wanted to check with you guys. I currently have a tear in part of my shoulder, so I have an currently taking flexerol (muscle relaxer) and oxycodone (a pain killer). So I noticed once I started taking the oxycodone, my daily bms went from 12-15 or more, down to 2 times a day. I know narcotics can cause constipation, but I haven't had that problem since I was diagnosed (actually never at all). So has anyone used low dose narcotics as part of their treatment? I know they are highly addictive and have withdrawal and all that, I understand, but since taking them my quality of life has bounced to a new level, I haven't had since before I was diagnosed (even in remission I was going 6+ times a day). So anyone have any experience with this? I mean I'm definitely going to discus with my doctor when I see him in 2 weeks, but for now, anything you guys know will help! Thanks!
Posted 3/25/2016 2:46 AM (GMT 0)
IT does slow gut. Take them long enough and you might rupture the colon.

If you were going 6+ times a day, you were not in remission.

Some use a low dose of immoudium on a regular basis - but there are some risks. Stop immediately if you don't have a bm for two days.
Posted 3/25/2016 2:54 AM (GMT 0)
Hmm thank you for the info. I couldn't find anything online. So my idea wasn't a good one, but while treating my shoulder it doesn't hurt to kick start me into remission. I was technically in remission, because I did a scope that quote from my doctor "showed no signs of active disease, or any signs of past disease". I've always had problems eating, and vomiting immediately (I've had it checked, no clinical problem), so I assume I just have a very touchy system.
Posted 3/25/2016 4:18 AM (GMT 0)
There are various forms of remission I read recently (but can't find now so may get this wrong):

Endoscopic remission-when your GI sees normal colon tissue in the c-scope. It may or may not correlate to your symptoms.

Symptomatic remission-This is when you have a normal pre-UC life or as close as possible to normal. "Normal" # of BM's however varies from person to person.

Deep remission-Combination of endoscopic and symptomatic remission.
Posted 3/25/2016 5:43 AM (GMT 0)
Instead of it causing remmison It can actually worsen your UC and potentially cause soemthing like megacolon. Speak with your GI
Posted 3/25/2016 12:25 PM (GMT 0)
Agree with the others. Narcotic pain meds should never be used to maintain or achieve remission as the long term effects aren't worth it. But when needed for an injury, there shouldn't much issue. I've had to do that as well in the past. Enjoy your short term symptom reduction :) and I hope your shoulder feels better soon. Did you tear a rotator cuff?
Posted 3/25/2016 1:33 PM (GMT 0)
Thanks guys! Red_34 I have a torn labrum and a tear in my rotator cuff.
Posted 3/25/2016 1:41 PM (GMT 0)
Whenever considering a treatment risk versus benefits must be evaluated. Here, the risk is far too high, especially for an ongoing maintenance medication.

While it's true opioids slow down the gut, and I'm sure that's wonderful, they don't actually heal inflammation (required for a true remission). So, the underlying inflammation remains, as does all of the increased colorectal cancer risk, risk of uc spreading in extent and severity, etc.

If your bm frequency is that high then you've got something else going on. Either you're still flaring for uc, you have an infection like cdiff causing those symptoms, or you might have IBS in addition. I'd mention that to your gastroenterologist and have some inflammation diagnostics done (fecal calprotein, c reactive protein, flexible-sigmoidoscopy, a stool test for c diff).
Posted 3/25/2016 2:34 PM (GMT 0)
Some GIs prescribe Tylenol-3 to help with the symptoms of flares, not as a treatment for the UC.

I've never had much pain from UC, more just urgency, discomfort and horrible diarrhea.
Posted 3/25/2016 9:50 PM (GMT 0)
Google narcotic bowel syndrome. This is why my GI doc does not prescribe opioids unless needed while being an inpatient. The IBD dept at my hospital refers their patients to a clinic for visceral pain. It is staffed with psychiatrists and psychologists.
Posted 3/27/2016 2:51 AM (GMT 0)
I had a slight tear in my rotator cuff and man did it hurt! I never took narcotic pain meds because I'm intolerant to just about all of them, but I did do PT as well as had a steroid injection. Just throwing that option out there if this can help you.
Posted 3/27/2016 10:42 AM (GMT 0)
I wonder if taking an anti depressant SSRI might help? Many (not all) SSRIs work in a somewhat similar manner as pain narcotics and have the side effect of constipation. SSRI's can also cause the user to experience withdrawals but believe physicians have programs worked out that are more helpful at over coming the withdrawals. Just an idea. Good luck in finding an answer.
Posted 3/27/2016 10:56 AM (GMT 0)
Oh, forgot to mention, something else that you could ask the doctor about is low dose naltrexone (LDN). If you did ask to take this you would want to take LDN after you stop oxycodone.

LDN raises endorphin levels, which has been found to help many with UC and Crohns. Doing a Google search, the first item that came up on UC and LDN was this example of a fellow that had a positive experience with LDN stopping his UC.

"Low Dose Naltrexone"

http://rxisk.org/low-dose-naltrexone/
Posted 4/2/2016 6:34 AM (GMT 0)
@eucalyptus thank you! I'm meeting with a new gi and will bring these up!

@red_34 I did get a steroid injection about a week and a half ago, and I honestly feel worse. And I've started pt, but they aren't helping. At this point I'm ready to have surgery on my arm, just to get this taken care of.
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