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Ulcerative Colitis
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Posted 7/20/2009 9:00 PM (GMT 0)
I am 32 years old and have been diagnosed with a mild case of UC last February. Since then, I have taken asacol, but because it gave me headaches, the doctor began prescribing me Pentasa 250mg - been doing well ever since, but I find that I have excessive gas when I am on the medication. It is a bit of an embarassment for me because the noise can be very loud and the smell is extremely bad. I have been spending some time with this man, but am embarassed by the noise when I go to the restroom. My bm's are very explosive, especially when I am flaring.

Is there any way to lessen the bloating and the gas? Does anybody else have a problem with the extremely bad gas smell? What is this caused by??

Also, when I am in a flare, I find that it is very difficult for me to hold (?) the stool (if that makes any sense). In other words, when I have a bowel movement, it cannot wait, I have to run to the restroom. Sometimes, it makes me want to cry because I cannot hold it and it just comes out even before I can reach the bathroom.


Does anybody have this problem?

I've tried speaking to my doctor, but he doesn't say very much about it. He is mainly only concerned about the number of flares I get.

Edited to add a title to your post

Post Edited By Moderator (Red_34) : 7/20/2009 7:20:32 PM (GMT-6)

Posted 7/20/2009 9:12 PM (GMT 0)
Your experience is common for UC. Sorry, it sucks.
But if it is the medicine making it worse, it might subside after a while.

You can try gax-x and/or immodium with gas relievers (try small doses), it might help some.
Posted 7/20/2009 9:17 PM (GMT 0)
Anne, I'm not sure what you could do for the bloating. Maybe watch what you eat to see whether certain foods cause more bloating.

As for not being able to hold it in, that's what we refer to as 'urgency', and that's a common symptom of UC. Have you tried taking rectal medicines? I find that using rectal medicines targets the inflammation better and leads to less urgency.
Posted 7/20/2009 9:18 PM (GMT 0)

Thank you Flora.

Do you know if Gas-X can be taken with pentasa? Will that pose a problem?

Also, I noticed in your profile that you take probiotics.
I have heard that it is good for the digestive system.
Do you take pills or do you take in yogurt for that, and how are your
symptoms when you take them?

Posted 7/20/2009 9:22 PM (GMT 0)

Thank you, Rio.

Yes, the doctor prescribed me rectals, but I am afraid to
get side effects from it eventually. I am actually totally against medicine and
it has take a while for me to finally start being able to take pentasa
on a regular basis.

Posted 7/20/2009 9:33 PM (GMT 0)
I agree that nobody wants to be taking too many medicines, but if you need to take a medicine to get better then don't be too hesitant, as if you don't things might worsen.

I'm speaking from experience here. When I first got diagnosed I was prescribed asacol suppositories, and refused to take them. Two months later things had gotten so much worse that I was put on a course of steroids. At that time, I was new to all this and still in denial about getting UC.

(Also, add a title to your post and you should get more replies)
Posted 7/20/2009 9:36 PM (GMT 0)
If you take probiotics, you will also experience more gas at first, so just beware. But it's a good idea. Find the "live" ones that have to be refrigerated, what you get in yogurt is not strong enough.

I think gas-x can be taken with anything. Immodium may calm your urgency, I do well taking just 1/2 a pill at a time because more might block you up and that is a terrible feeling.

The rectals are good, because they act topically and don't have to go into your system, so if you don't like medicine they actually make the most sense for you. Although you might have to get past being against taking medicine if you want to manage your disease, it's tough. Tougher on your health than medicine, probably.
Posted 7/20/2009 9:52 PM (GMT 0)
Thank you, Peety and Rio :) Appreciate the information a lot.


Sorry, one last question, I also noticed that you take vitamin E.

How do you find that it helps you with your symptoms?

Posted 7/20/2009 10:21 PM (GMT 0)
I think probiotics help tremendously with smelly BM's.
Posted 7/20/2009 11:00 PM (GMT 0)
Urgency and frequency (up to 20x a day) was my biggest problem when I had my first (and so far only) flare. It's horribly frustrating to have to run to the restroom (and not always make it) and to feel afraid of being too far from a bathroom. So, you're definitely not alone there. I also think you should give the rectal meds a try. They're actually "safer" in terms of side effects, and while it may seem gross at first to use them, I actually don't think they are all that bad. I don't experience any discomfort when using them. Also, give the probiotics a try. :)
Posted 7/20/2009 11:14 PM (GMT 0)
In a flare-up and now have to wear a "diaper" in the morning. Hate how it makes me feel but at least it catches everything. I can't get to work in the morning until things calm down. But, the diaper has saved a lot of underwear!
Posted 7/21/2009 10:24 AM (GMT 0)
The bloating and gas is the result of food not being digested or absorbed properly. The best way to treat it is to avoid trigger foods and to use quality probiotics. With respect to the latter, I also recommend the refrigerated ones as that will help insure their potency (I have had success with Natren brand).
Posted 7/21/2009 5:22 PM (GMT 0)
Fibre supplements (recommended to me by my GI) is what got my exsessive gas and bloating under control, taken daily and indefintely....been taking it for 6ish yrs now and still have all the improvements from it.

:)
Posted 7/22/2009 4:48 AM (GMT 0)
Hi,  I also have gas and bloating from Asacol and have noticed that it is worse if I eat certain foods.  I stay away from tomatoes and processed sugars.  I also find that taking a fish oil supplement helps with inflamation.  I hate taking meds, but I do because I hate UC more.  I went into remission very quickly while taking Asacol and I think it was because I took my meds religiously and tried hard to follow the diet restrictions.  Through trial and error I found what I could tolerate food-wise and what really upset my digestive tract.  Just hang in there and don't get discouraged.  My first flare happened right after I started dating a new guy - I know what you're going through.  We were watching a movie on loud surround-sound when he stopped it and asked me "Is that your stomach making that noise?"  It was so embarrassing.  You could hear it across the room it "talked & gurgled" so loud.  Laughing about it might make it easier to deal with.  Guys are usually cooler about bathroom things anyway - I have sons and believe me, nothing grosses them out.  They love bathroom humor. 
Posted 7/22/2009 1:32 PM (GMT 0)
I had really bad gas/bloating with my increased doses of Lialda. Now that I only take 2 pills a day AND I take Gas-X every night before I go to bed, I feel so much better.

It works for me, and I come from a long history of farters.. ha.
Posted 7/22/2009 2:29 PM (GMT 0)
Hi everybody
have any of you tried ginger for your gas ? I go to the asian store or any super market pick up some ginger slice it up and make a tea with it and use honey insted of sugar. but to warn you the first few time`s it cleans you out ...
Posted 7/22/2009 3:07 PM (GMT 0)
I've always had good luck with Gas-X for gas. It doesn't seem to interfere with any of my meds (that I know of!).

For the incontinence and urgency, I would definitely get some Depends if it is happening often. They are very thin and no one will notice you have one on. Also, I take one immodium in the a.m. if I am trying to get out the door or something. Of course ask your doctor about that.

I hope you feel comfortable with your prescriptions and medication soon, since without them your UC is very likely to get much worse. Some things in this world cannot be fixed without modern medicines and we are lucky to have access to them.
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