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Ulcerative Colitis
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Posted 4/24/2008 3:56 PM (GMT 0)
I must warn you, this post may be a little graphic . . . . I was diagnosed with UC in Jan 2007. Since then, I've had 3 scopes and all the biopsies showed that I did indeed have UC. My only concern is that I don't the traditional UC symptoms. I was hoping to share the symptoms that I do have and get feedback to see if others with UC have the same. When I'm flaring (which has been a constant since this past Dec), I don't really have diarrhea (well, not watery bowel movements), my stools formed, but soft. I have severe cramping that makes me run to the bathroom. I'll go for a few minutes. Sometimes that crampy while going is to bad that I'll have to hold on to the sink. There is usually always blood. I'll leave the bathroom, but then have to run back a few minutes later. After a trip or two, I'll still feel like I have to go, but nothing will come out. The best way for me to describe it is like when you feel like you have to vomit, but all you do is "dry-heave." It's like that, but in my rear. Then, I usually have to sit on the couch for an hour because the pressure in my rectum is so severe. I can't sit directly on my butt . . . I have to kind of lean to the side. I get constipated a lot too. I'll feel full, like I should have to go, but then I won't have a BM for almost 2 days.

Anyway, this is usually how my days go . . . almost everyday. It makes working and taking care of my family very difficult. I'm constantly doing the enemas, but I don't know if they work. :(
Posted 4/24/2008 4:23 PM (GMT 0)
I have had most of those symptoms except for that constipation part, and the sitting part. It can get irritating cause you run to the toilet, and are like "Is that it? ***" Have to be a little careful when that lower colon is in spasm, that you don't cause alot of strain and make the bleeding worse. Where's most of the disease location?

I had one colonoscopy in 1999 I think..... then a small sig scope in 02 ish. I probably need to get another eventually, but it won't change anything about what I am doing now so I refuse it.
Posted 4/24/2008 4:53 PM (GMT 0)
im sorry you have UC. it's very unpredictable. i have watery stools and have had them for years.

luckyily i dont work a real job. BUT i wished i could as i miss the money i used to make.

but going to the bathroom 15 to 25 times every 24 hours is killing me.

my legs cramp from loss of fluids, it's bad. but i hope you get better.
Posted 4/24/2008 5:20 PM (GMT 0)
I have very similar symptoms as you. I was diagnosed in September 06 and at that time I had constipation, blood, mucus, abdominal pain, rectal pain. about a year later I had a severe flare w/ countless BMs a day, pain, blood, mucus, nausea, etc. It was horrible. It lasted a couple of weeks. After that I went thru about the same thing you are going thru now. My doctor changed my meds from Canasa to Rowasa and Lialda and things have been a lot better. I don't have the incredible rectal pain and the urgency.
Posted 4/24/2008 5:30 PM (GMT 0)
I am sitting on my side right now for that same reason! I go through the same exact thing, only my stools are usually hard and I go a little each time for hours. Then there are other days when I have severe D all day. Sometimes I take Lomotil for it, but it makes me drowsy and then I have more trouble going to the bathroom the next time. I try to get everything I can done on the days I don't go to the bathroom. :( But yeah, I go through the same thing. Last night I ate some steak and I almost vomited after and have been going through all the things you described ever since.
Posted 4/24/2008 5:45 PM (GMT 0)
That feeling like you still have to go is called tenesmus. Not uncommon with UC. Neither is constipation.

I see you're using the enemas. Have you tried Canasa (5ASA suppository) as well? Sometimes after a series of bms and my rectum feeling like it's going to come out - a Canasa can be very soothing - almost like it puts things back where they should be.

We're pretty used to graphic content here. In fact, in many cases it can help us to know what's actually going on.
Posted 4/24/2008 6:18 PM (GMT 0)
I have had both the runny D with lots of blood and mucous in my first flare and symptoms like you are describing in my latest flare. Each flare is different.

I found the 5ASA (I use Salofalk) suppositories help a lot with the symptoms you are describing.
Posted 4/24/2008 6:38 PM (GMT 0)
Nicole, I have proctosigmoiditis. When I was in severe flare, I had those exact symptoms, except every day. Never watery stools, just soft or occasionally slimy with mucus and blood always. Are you on any rectal medications? For people who can tolerate them, they can help get the rectal area under control and relieve the pressure and urgency.

Posted 4/24/2008 7:57 PM (GMT 0)

I've been having pretty much the same symptoms since last week. I have to run to the bathroom several times in a row and most of the time I don't get a regular stool--it's just blood. But I have to go to relieve the cramps. It is so annoying. I was using Canasa but that caused side effects and my GI has yet to call in enemas to the pharmacy.

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