Swelling / water retention / fatty tissue on buttock & thighs

It does sound like water. Unless you are getting some sort of allergic swelling, nothing else goes up and down that fast.

But this does not sound like UC. Possibly you have a food intolorance secondary to UC (because friendly gut microbes are depleted with UC), or you have IBS secondary (or independent) of UC.

@soystud - what did your gut feel like? was it just constipation, or something else?

I've tried severely limiting my gluten intake, and it doesn't seem to have an effect. I was fine for 2 weeks then all of a sudden this Monday my buttocks and thighs were swollen and uncomfortable. :(

I am on anxiety/depression meds and adderral. However, I'm been having these symptoms for 5+ years, and only just started taking the meds about a year ago. Both meds have actually helped reduce what I think was stress-induced constipation, swelling etc.

My GI prescribed canasa, but it didn't help so I stopped. My dad has colitis and takes metamucil every day, which I've started doing - that has developed helped with the constipation, but not as much with the swelling.

Thanks so much for doing some research. I've been trying to do the same.

It could certain be hormone related, but before I was on adderrall, I didn't notice any correlation with my menstrual cycle (and therefore, hormonal levels). I try avoid high salt foods in general, but have also not been able to notice any correlation other than high-salt foods that are also high in fat.

Sulphates do bother me (I avoid wine, dried fruit, etc), but, like I said - I just started adderral about 3 months ago - and have been having these symptoms for 5+ years.

For depression & anxiety, I have seen therapists on and off and see a psychiatrist every few months. I have an appointment with a new therapist in week, and plan to continue regularly, as it was helpful when it was regular before. A lot of friends have also recommended acupuncture, so I am going to try that too if my budget permits.

I am having a lot of acupuncture at the moment, trying to manage a recent flare. I am not sure if it has helped my colon but my periods have become super regular and I think I have had far less water retention. I have found this in the past too with acupuncture, I used to get very irregular periods, probably something to do with the meds I suppose and realised that when I came out of an acupuncture session, then often my period would swiftly appear. Similar happened with Thai massage which is based on pressure points.

I hope the new therapist is helpful for you. I work in mental health and am fascinated by the links, if any, between mental health and colitis. I don't like it all when people imply that having an ulcerated colon must be caused by me being stressed, especially as there are many autoimmune diseases in my family. However, talking therapy, hypnotherapy and mindfulness have definitely helped me to manage.

Metamucil is psyllium husk, and both seed powder and husk are soluble fiber. I'll have to look into the relative benefits of the two.

Oops! I hadn't heard or seen any reference to effects of sulphates. What foods/drinks etc in bother you?

Depression/anxiety symptoms appeared first, definitely. I'm 26, have a totally reliable mestrual cycle. Have just started keeping a diary of all the above.

I haven't been on pednisone suppositories.

One day my clothes will fit exactly how I want them to, then the next they'll still fit, but they'll be noticeably tighter in areas. As long as I eat decent portions and healthy food, I can wear the same clothes...it's just a matter of how they fit and look on me. Very annoying.

Not sure why it would not be hormone related unless young or at menopause. It is really common for women to get water retention throughout. My thighs and butt have done it every month throughout 20s, 30s, 40s, friends more commonly seem to get it in abdominal area.

Finally gave in and bought different sizes, and I've kept them. Glad I did! Came in handy with weight loss when flaring. Then with weight gain & bloating. A real roller coaster. Needed more closet space. This has been an ongoing source of frustration. And need for more time in the morning to dress for work as I never know which pants will fit. Sheesh...

mzpkb said...
Hi all -

I have been having issues with constipation, bloating and swelling for about 5 years now. Was just diagnosed with Ulcerative Proctitis, results of colonoscopy.

I'm writing because I have been scouring the internet and forums to find anyone else who is having issues with dramatic swelling of their buttock cheeks and thighs. One day I will fit nicely into my jeans and my butt will feel firm, then the next my butt will be swollen and sagging. When swollen, the butt and upper thigh area all of a sudden have dimples, looks like I have cellulite and feels very tight and uncomfortable. Feels like they are retaining water/fluid maybe.

Does anyone get this too?! It's driving me insane - I'm afraid to buy pants and some skirts because I never know how they're going to fit from one day to the next.

Thanks!

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