HealingWell
Search Close Search
☰

Constipation

Support Forums
>
Ulcerative Colitis
✚ New Topic ✚ Reply
❬ ❬ Previous Thread |Next Thread ❭ ❭
Posted 5/23/2013 2:16 PM (GMT 0)
Well I've been "Missing" for quite some time now. Things for me were (hopefully still are) going well. I was dx with UC back in 2004. Had my initial flare, got it under control and as said all has been fine since. Currently taking Colazal only 3 tablets a day (NOT 3 3x a day). Just 3 a day. My last two Colonoscopy's were 100% clean. Last one 1 1/2 years ago. about 6 weeks ago I noticed things were getting hard to pass. Started stool softeners and metamucil. Passing is easier but still not quite right. Passing pieces. Well formed but pieces. Only go once a day. No pain, blood or urgency. I will add i know I'm not drinking enough water that's a given. I just don't like water.
Thought this was going to pass but now wondering.

Thoughts?

PS. I know this subject most likely has been covered many times but didn't want to hi-jack anyone's thread.

Post Edited (Pooper Bowl Champ) : 5/23/2013 8:25:45 AM (GMT-6)

Posted 5/23/2013 5:21 PM (GMT 0)
I'd also say the rectum is having some very mild inflammation (albeit limited)....and my most common response is to start rectal meds.

It's good you're using fibre, upping the fluid intake and if you have probiotics..make sure you're taking them.

Try adding foods that will help soften the stool, and for me, sometimes upping vitamin C helps tons.

q
Posted 5/31/2013 1:11 AM (GMT 0)
I was reading old posts while researching PSC. Your doc thought maybe you had this. What is your present dx with PSC?
Posted 5/31/2013 12:13 PM (GMT 0)
Have you tried lowering your dose? From 3 to 2 maybe? I had similar problems with Balsalazide(Colazal). It worked nice on my UC, but had terrible problems with constipation, heaviness in lower abdomen and gas, so much so that I couldn't goto sleep.

When I lowered my dose it did give me some relief. I also tried a high fiber diet, it helped a bit, but I was still very uncomfy and eventually had to switch back to regular mesalamine, but they dont do that much for me. I just take them to make sure my disease doesn't progress upwards.

I have to visit balsalazide again when I get some time off. It works a lot better than other 5ASAs for me.
Posted 5/31/2013 12:17 PM (GMT 0)
Yes, I would also suggest adding Vitamin C, or you could try Magnesium as in NAtural Calm.
Posted 5/31/2013 2:12 PM (GMT 0)
start liking water -

or make it more likable - a little lemon or lime juice maybe ?
Posted 5/31/2013 5:38 PM (GMT 0)
InSoFla got here before me :)

Start with Magnesium citrate (cheapo Vitamin Shoppe brand will also work) 200mg/day, ramp it up slowly until BMs are regularized (200mg 2X a day then 200mg 3X a day and so on). Do not use stool softener and definitely not metamucil. Drink some water in sips than usual.
Posted 5/31/2013 6:22 PM (GMT 0)
canadamom...the assumed diagnosis is PBC (primary biliary cirrhosis) because of the blood test marker.
While I do have mild "beading", I haven't had any other symptoms. I stay on the URSO, keep my UC in check as best I can and have MRCP every 5 or so years. Both MRCP results remain static..so no changes in the years between.

I also seem to have some defect on the cbd that looks like something is laying across it rather than constriction caused by disease.

Since I refuse an ERCP, the diagnosis stays as such until it warrants otherwise.

q
Posted 5/31/2013 6:23 PM (GMT 0)
Pooper Bowl Champ .... since you're not here that often, would you mind to keep us updated this time as to how you're doing!

q
✚ New Topic ✚ Reply