UC with constipation and loose stool

Hi, everyone!
I am 27 and was diagnosed with Pan-Ulcerative Colitis about a year ago. I haven't had very much luck with medications so far, (Lialda, enemas, Remicade, and Prednisone) and I am currently taking Humira and Budesonide, which hasn't been able to stop my current flare that has been going on for about 2mos. My concern is that this flare up seems to be different than all my other flare ups. I usually experience the common symptoms of frequent D, blood, mucous, urgency, nausea, cramping, and fatigue. However, this time I feel as if I am constipated. I have the same urgency and cramping, but unable to pass stools. but unlike normal constipation, the stools that do pass, are liquid or small drops of stool/blood/mucous that are very loose and mushy.
I guess my question is, has anyone else experienced this? Anything I can do to make it better? My doctor just keeps wanting me to take laxatives, but my stool is already liquid and soft enough, and it just makes me feel worse. So any help would be so appreciated! Thank you!

karnaiz said...
Hi, everyone!
I am 27 and was diagnosed with Pan-Ulcerative Colitis about a year ago. I haven't had very much luck with medications so far, (Lialda, enemas, Remicade, and Prednisone) and I am currently taking Humira and Budesonide, which hasn't been able to stop my current flare that has been going on for about 2mos. My concern is that this flare up seems to be different than all my other flare ups. I usually experience the common symptoms of frequent D, blood, mucous, urgency, nausea, cramping, and fatigue. However, this time I feel as if I am constipated. I have the same urgency and cramping, but unable to pass stools. but unlike normal constipation, the stools that do pass, are liquid or small drops of stool/blood/mucous that are very loose and mushy.
I guess my question is, has anyone else experienced this? Anything I can do to make it better? My doctor just keeps wanting me to take laxatives, but my stool is already liquid and soft enough, and it just makes me feel worse. So any help would be so appreciated! Thank you!

Yes, folks with UC flare with constipation. I would not try laxatives while in a flare. You can try adding psyllium seed powder to bulk up the stool and reduce constipation. It's much gentler. Start very slowly with 1/4 spoon. It's not the husk but the powder. I did not do well with the husk.

Are you taking any mesalamine enemas? I would add those if you haven't so far.

Jane974-
I have never heard of psyllium seed powder, I will definitely look further into that. Thank you! I have also tried the enemas, haven't ever had much success with them unfortunately.

Soyonomore-
Thanks for responding!
I was last scoped when I was diagnosed, so about a year ago. I haven't been to doctor in awhile, we do most communication via email, and he is my GI specialist. I really don't follow a special diet, I try to stick away from grains and starches, but not the best at sticking to a diet.

Hi Karnaiz,

I get those symptoms in a flare. It is meant to be the inflammation making the stool hold back because it doesn't want to pass over the inflamed area. Keep persisting with the enemas. I drink wheat grass with my breakfast to help push things through as it is not too aggressive but has fibre. Also, slippery elm powder helps me a lot at the moment and also helps to make the stool more formed so you don't feel as sickly. Hope you feel better soon.