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Ulcerative Colitis
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Posted 9/3/2010 1:25 AM (GMT 0)
I'm still fairly new here but read up on everything every day. I was DXed in January 2010 and am currently having (maybe leaving) a flare right now.

I started Prednisone (50mg) on July 28th and am now down to 30mg. I started Humira three weeks ago. I was going to the bathroom 5-15 times per day until about two weeks into Humira. But for the past week, I have only gone maybe 4 times TOTAL. I am really full, bloated, and constipated.

Yesterday my GI had me come down from 40 to 30mg of Pred. He also did a KUB xray that didn't show any problems, but did show that I was FULL. The GI told me to do a Dulcolax suppository, which I did tonight and NOTHING HAPPENED. I did it about three hours ago and nothing has happened yet and I don't think it will.

I'll give the nurse a call tomorrow to see what they want me to do... but does anyone have experience with this? Is it a bad sign that nothing happened or is there anything I should be concerned about? I'm concerned because I won't be in town tomorrow to visit the GI if needed -- and it is a long weekend.

Any thoughts or suggestions?

Thanks,

Brian
Posted 9/3/2010 3:30 AM (GMT 0)
Been there. Drink lots of water and walk as much as possible (yeah, keep the bathroom in sight).
I know people will suggest many different remedies but water has always served me best and I'm an expert on C.
Posted 9/3/2010 3:54 AM (GMT 0)
Imagagardner2,

Thanks for the reply. Any ideas what might cause this? Inflamation, meds, etc.?

The GIs nurse seemed a little concerned that I clean out ASAP. I didn't ask why. I didn't know if there are any specific concerns besides feeling bloated and uncomfortable.

Brian
Posted 9/3/2010 4:15 AM (GMT 0)
Inflammation can cause C, certainly causes D.
I could guess about yours but it would only reflect my own experience. Your colon is injured and malfunctioning. There are so many vital things it does and in such a complicated way that it would be impossible to say exactly causes C at any given time. Those millions of vilii that move food through our colon are damaged, one idea. Good gut flora has been killed off, another idea.

And of course meds can cause C, getting dosages just right is impossible. I've never taken Humira or pred. so can't say.
Just accept the fact that you'll need to be watchful for back-ups in your system until you get in balance.

What the nurse is concerned about would be a blockage/obstruction or even megacolon. I've never felt close to either one of those but something to watch out for.
Posted 9/3/2010 4:23 AM (GMT 0)
Thanks.

I'll give the nurse a call in the morning to see if they want me to try another Dulcolax suppository ... or anything else.
Posted 9/3/2010 6:57 AM (GMT 0)
Maybe before another make you poo suppository, ask for rectal meds such as Rowasa retention enemas.

It's probably mild inflammation. You could add a stool softener capsule, add fibre supplements, drink more water, etc.

q
Posted 9/3/2010 1:33 PM (GMT 0)
I agree with mesalamine enema (Rowasa is the expensive version) and stool softener but am wary of fiber supplements when C is already there. With me they are too late at that point and hinder rather than help.
Posted 9/3/2010 5:03 PM (GMT 0)
They shouldn't hinder...they will help bulk/soften and fluff the stool as well as keep the colon exercised in a better rhythm, especially when the rectum is signalling...slow down!

q
Posted 9/5/2010 12:54 AM (GMT 0)
When I talked to the nurse on Friday, I forgot to ask about Rowasa. I have read plenty about it on here and it sounds like many swear by it. But as a young guy, I just don't like the idea of doing that!! But I will ask the GI about it.

The nurse said I can try another Dulcolax suppository, but I haven't had time to do that yet. Possibly tomorrow.

Until earlier tonight, I still hadn't been able to "go" yet. But I finally did go a little tonight, but it sure wasn't the week's worth that is still stored up inside of me. But hopefully it is a good sign that at least SOMETHING came out??
Posted 9/5/2010 6:52 AM (GMT 0)
So, you have no problem to use suppositories to go? I would suggest you request the Rowasa and give it a very fair shot. You never know, they may become your very best friend..;-)

You need to deal with the rectal inflammation. being a guy shouldn't have any bearing using rectal meds...as if there's any actual pleasure doing it. Complain while you're using it, maybe that'll psych you up. But if it answers back, look out!


Add coffee to your morning breakfast! that might help kickstart the lower part.

q
Posted 9/5/2010 12:29 PM (GMT 0)
UC2010

Of course we all dislike using an enema (OK hate). No fun, embarrassing if you have a partner. We want the magic "pill" to cure us.
When my UC was at it's worst it was extremely difficult to retain the enema for a few minutes let alone overnight.
BUT...mesalamine enemas work (for most people, some people are allergic to them). So use them as much as possible. Get over the embarrassment and the inconvenience.
It's for your own good.

I think the reason more doctors don't prescribe them is that compliance (use) is very low.
I am a VERY compliant patient if I know something works and would have to force myself to use them even knowing they helped.

One of my joys now is that I am healed and don't need them. Let that be your goal: heal enough not to need them except every now and then.
Now go call your doctors nurse and ask for an RX to be emailed to your local pharmacy. Or use a different pharmacy if you know too many people in the one you use. Another embarrassment is the huge bag a month's supply comes in (just being honest). Having an "accident" is much more embarrassing.

PS Surprisingly enemas help C as much as D.

Post Edited (imagardener2) : 9/5/2010 6:32:14 AM (GMT-6)

Posted 9/6/2010 1:55 AM (GMT 0)
Sorry about my comment about not wanting to try Rowasa because I'm a "young guy." I guess my point was that even though NO ONE likes the idea of it, I'm probably in the bracket that is LEAST likely to be a compliant patient (like imagardner2 mentioned).

On another note, I had some more luck today moving stuff through me. Not everything came out, but my stomach bulge went back down and the stools weren't near as skinny as they have been, which is a good sign. Also, today was the first time since the beginning of July that I didn't see any blood... knock on wood.

Here's to hoping things will continue to move through me and hopefully the Humira is starting to work.
Posted 9/6/2010 2:44 AM (GMT 0)
Adding probiotics might help with the malfunctioning colon.....
Posted 9/6/2010 7:58 AM (GMT 0)
I guess it's much easier to rely on the med you don't have to be compliant with.

q
Posted 9/8/2010 3:49 AM (GMT 0)
Well, here is an update.

For the past couple of days, I have been going once or twice per day and the stools are much more formed than before, but still really soft with a little blood.

But I still feel like there are about four days of stools that are unaccounted for inside of me. I still look a little "pregnant" but I'm not near as uncomfortable.
Posted 9/8/2010 8:28 AM (GMT 0)
That's because you're flaring and your bms will slow down when the inflammation is limited to lower in the colon/rectum.. hence the suggestion of Rowasa...you'll get relief.


q

Posted 9/10/2010 3:57 PM (GMT 0)
If the poos are skinny for me that's a sure sign that rectal inflammation is causing things to be slow. I have problems with C at the moment but it's meds related and I know that because my poos aren't skinny, they are hard and pellety. That's how my body works anyhoo.
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