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Fiber supps and constipation

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Ulcerative Colitis
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Posted 4/13/2011 11:48 AM (GMT 0)
Uc is in remission, diagnosed with Diverticulosis (and IBS) and was told to go on a high fiber diet. I started on Citrucel at one a day, I am now at two a day. At first, my body sort of rebelled and went haywire. Now I can't go to the bathroom or if I do, it's only a small amount. I have increased my water intake - in fact I feel like I am water logged. Is this normal when first starting on a fiber supp? I am starting to get uncomfortable and I haven't really gone since Saturday (just a little bit here or there).

Btw, apologies that I haven't been around much. My hands have been swollen and extremely sore so typing is hard.
Posted 4/13/2011 2:41 PM (GMT 0)
If you take too much fiber at once, you'll get backed up. You may have to try stool softener or something stronger like Miralax to get regular. The other day, I had constipation and tried sitting on the toilet and rocking back and forth and bending over. It relieved tension and got things moving.
Posted 4/13/2011 3:08 PM (GMT 0)
That's what I don't understand. I started very slow on fiber and I don't think that 2 Citrucel a day is that much, is it? And wouldn't a stool softener sort of defeat the purpose of taking fiber? It's sort of along the line "You are having D? Here take fiber...oh you're having constipation? Here take a stool softener." I know I need the fiber to help with the diverticulosis and IBS but if it's going to constipate me then I am not sure I want it! LOL I think constipation is worse then D to tell the truth.
Posted 4/13/2011 3:42 PM (GMT 0)
So sorry to hear of your swollen hands, that sucks.

I've been through a period of C and it was no fun. Even coffee didn't work. Have you tried adding a little spinach (say a Tablespoon) a day? I buy a bag of frozen and have it every morning with my egg. I also use Citrucel and have been for a year or so and am up to 6 per day which I could maybe decrease at this point.

I also used Miralax way back when C was my big issue and it helped as I recall. Haven't used it in many months now (12?) but it's in the cupboard if needed.

My C was related to inflammation in my opinion and it took a while to become balanced. Of course I was happy to have less D but C has it's own issues. And yes I remember being waterlogged.
I do not remember Citrucel making things worse, I blamed the UC primarily, but I had C before starting Citrucel.
Posted 4/13/2011 6:18 PM (GMT 0)
Are you eating enough Sherry? When do you take the citrucel?

What form of citrucel are you taking?

q
Posted 4/13/2011 8:46 PM (GMT 0)
I'm taking Citrucel caplets(?) and I believe I am eating enough. I eat breakfast and dinner with snacks in between. I normally take the Citrucel around noon.
Posted 4/14/2011 7:45 AM (GMT 0)
Take it with your morning and night meals....one with each.
'
How many is the daily suggested limit?

q
Posted 4/14/2011 11:49 AM (GMT 0)
Good idea Q. I believe that 12 is the max dose.

I juiced some apples yesterday and it seemed to work. I was FINALLY able to go this morning. Apples always get me going. Now unfortunately, because my daughter took a taste of my juiced apple and liked it....I now have none left! lol So I have to go out and buy some more. I have avoided apples for so long that I forgot how good they were! :)
Posted 4/14/2011 3:17 PM (GMT 0)
I tried Metamucil and felt it made me constipated. I take benefiber instead. Seems to work ok for me. :o)
Posted 4/14/2011 4:33 PM (GMT 0)
I take my Prodiem just before bed and this works best for me, it's key to drink plenty of water daily and when you take fibre pill form. You can and probably should cut back down to one rather than 2/day, my GI instructed me to start with one pill/day and go from there, to date I still only take one cuz that works for me. good luck!
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