First flare in a long time

Hi all,
Just typing out my frustrations on probably the first flare I have had in a long time and with some questions. Granted what I am dealing pales in comparison to what some deal with.

Started about three weeks ago where I noticed I had some blood and increased urgency during the day. That developed into what I thought was tenesmus and or a bout of constipation. Leading up to this morning where I passed a ton of mushy BMs last night. (Must have gotten up at least 6 times - it seems when I flare, nighttime is the worst for me)

I have been eating minimal amounts of food in fear that I may have to rush to the bathroom. However my question is what do you typically eat during flares? Google proves it is a trial and error, where one may work whereas another is no bueno.

I've been doing the bland diet for meals and yogurt in the morning.

Finally, I was strongly considering a stool softener or a laxative, but decided against it. Has anyone used those during those bouts of constipation?

Thanks again for all the help provided in this forum. I'd be lost without it!

If you want to try some non-meds then add some probiotics, kefir, or kombucha.

I take stool softeners fairly regularly to keep from getting constipated. But if you’re having mushy stools be careful. Too many can cause cramping and frequent pooping.

Rectals would probably be a better idea. Have you contacted your dr?

I’m in a flare and have been living off of eggs, yogurt, beef and whey protein shakes, cheese sticks, any and all meat (hot dogs, cheese burgers, bacon, deli turkey, canned fish mostly), rice cakes, rice crackers, and cooked rice. Sometimes bananas with peanut butter. All of it hurts but I figure low fiber is best right now. I am only adding salt to things and nothing else. My most active pooping time is 8pm-9am so I feel you on that! The immune system is the most active during sleeping hours so I figure that is why mine is being an A-hole during sleepy time.

Have you tried steamed yams (sweet potato)? Steam them extra moist then eat without adding any fat or spice. They're nutritious in addition to moving bms in the right direction. I agree with above posters advising you to contact your MD RE appropriate med before this flare gets worse. Definitely take care! / Old Hat (40+ yrs with left-sided UC; in remission taking Colazal)

Yeah, so my CRP levels were at 127! Spoke to my doctor, he's going to put me on pred for awhile and wants me to do the loading dose of Humira.