Just diagnosed. Now have... constipation??

Well I was diagnosed Monday with UC. I'm waiting for biopsies but it's pretty apparent. This is actually my second flare I guess but the first time seeing blood which is why I ended up at the GI's and got a flex sig. I could see first hand how inflamed and and mucus ridden my insides are. I've know for a while now this is probably what I was dealing with though.

I'm very sad and mad at the same time. I'm a vegan, I exercise, I do yoga, I don't drink or smoke. My health has always been a priority which is why this diagnosis is so disheartening.

Ok well besides that I started Asocol.

My symptoms are diarrhea, mucus and some blood. Sometimes I got some gas, bloating etc but no pain. I started probiotics, slippery elm and aloe which all seemed to help especially with the diarrhea and urgency.

For a while I was getting very nice formed stool and hardly any blood or mucus. Then I started getting a little constipation so I cut back on all my supplements. My stool once again is loose and although I am able to have a bowel movement once or twice a day, it's not much at all. Still not much blood or mucus though especially compared to before.



So, What's going on?

Hi there,
Sorry about the diagnosis. I too am health conscious and was pi$$ed off when I got this diagnosis. Moving on,....

You are prob. getting constipated b/c of rectal inflammation. You would need rectal meds (ie: mesalamine enemas, cortifoam etc...) to bring down the rectal infl. Do you know how high up your UC goes? If it is high up...the asacol should deal w/the higher part. However since UC starts in the rectum--rectal meds are I think very necessary. (your asacol won't reach that low) It may take a while to get your head around using them, but for alot of us, they are worth it.

Also do you take any fiber? I take Metamucil--you could give it a try, but start slow. Again welcome to the forum...this is a great place for knowledge, support etc.... I learned way more here than at my GI's office (I know sad)
I'm sure more members will write in.
B

That makes sense, thanks. But what I don't understand is if the inflammation is moving down or it just healing higher up and staying inflamed lower? And I doubt I need metamucil as I am vegan so everything I eat has fiber in it.

I always told my Dr's nurse if I get constipation... it would be a miracle!