Constipation

Hi all!
In short, I was diagnosed in 2016 with ulcerative colitis, I treated that first flare with prednisone and have been on mezavant ever since. At first the inflammation seemed to be getting better but in April last year, it went back up. I tried an elimination diet, which seemed to work really well for awhile.
My symptoms worsened again in the past 2 months as I was not keeping to the diet well at all. In the past couple of weeks, I’ve been more careful about what I ate and felt a bit better at the beginning of this week. In the past 3 days though, I’ve been constipated which I haven’t been for as far back as I can remember... it’s weird though because I’m also having some mucus.
I understand that constipation or hard stools would generally be a good sign in my case, but the fact that it comes with mucus confuses me because that’s usually a sign of inflammation.
Has anyone experienced anything like this? Or know what it might be from?

Also just wanted to say that I’m so grateful that we have this forum to hear from people who really understand this disease, and share and inspire through their own experiences. Especially noting all the inaccurate information to be found on the internet. So thank you all so much!

Yes enemas will help (mesalamine type overnight use) and since you have seen that your diet affects your symptoms try going on the "low residue" diet to eliminate/reduce constipation. In my case too much fiber causes constipation which happens in normal non-UC people too due to what they eat, or in some cases what they don't eat (veggies with soluble fiber).

Fiber comes in both soluble and insoluble types. You can try fiber pills and see if they help you. My gut only tolerated the most gentle type (Citrucel type). I prefer getting my soluble fiber from well cooked carrots, spinach, green beans.

The mesalamine enema will heal the lower area.
Constipation is not really a sign of healing but I understand your thinking, it's better than D. Now you need to get to that middle point between C and D. Good luck.

quincy said...
Get on retention enemas.

q

yup !

what does your anti-inflammatory diet look like exactly ?