I need some second thoughts..

So I'm 22 years old and was diagnosed with UC when I was 11.

Every flare that I have ever had has been the same. Bloody diarrhea, 5 to 6 bowel movements a day. Well, here is my dilemma...

It started this past December (I had currently been in remission for a about 2 years) with extreme constipation! I wouldn't go for like 2 weeks or more at a time. That was NOT normal for me. I also was really bloated. I looked like I was pregnant. So, I went to my GI and she had some x rays done and told me I was constipated. Although deep down I felt like there was something else to it, I went on with life with the constipation and bloating and taking laxatives. about a month ago here came the blood. I thought, "oh great a flare up." I went through the severe pain keeping me awake and blood in my stool. This time was different though. There were huge dark colored blood clots floating in the water (which had never been there ever in a flare up before) and pretty much no stool what so ever. I developed a low grade fever for about 2 days, (which is another thing that had never happened before either) and this annoying lower back pain that is a new symptom. Also when I use the bathroom if I do have a formed stool it is EXTREMELY painful to pass. It hurts on my left side and I can feel extreme pressure in my lower pelvis. The solid stool is also about the width of my index finger. No pain when I pass blood though.

I also have been alternating between the bloody diarrhea and constipation. I'm just annoyed by all of these new symptoms that never happened when I've flared up. Is it possible to have Diverticulitis with UC? I'm debating on calling my doctor again and asking for a colonoscopy (I had one about 1 year and 3 months ago) because I just feel like something isn't right.

Anyone have any opinions for me?

Post Edited (UCsince1999) : 3/14/2011 9:17:17 PM (GMT-6)

Hi, welcome to the forum!

I'm not clear on wny your doctor didn't give you any medications to deal with UC and the inflammation.

Constipation is classic of UC limited to the rectum...so remember those symptoms for the future to be treated quickly and treated as a flare. It's obvious things have progressed a tad.

You truly need to call the doc, say you're flaring and request medications. I'd suggest mesalamine retention enemas you should be using at this point (Rowasa if you're in the US..Salofalk if in Canada) in conjunction with a mid-dose of oral mesalamine such as Asacol.

To help with some of the cramping, the doc might prescribe you antispasmodics.

Fibre supplements and probiotics could be of help....start slow on the fibre, however.

quincy