Bad cramping

[nr6332]

Was diagnosed in 1990 -- Illeiostomy in 1993 -- reversed in 1994. Suffered unbelievable diarrhea controlled by taking Questran. No problems until 2009. Fistula went undiagnosed for 2 years and finally removed followed by new treatments of imuran (later found allergic and quit) Pentasa (too expensive) and now take Entocort (can only afford through Canada), Folic acid and B12 shots (due to anemia needing iron infusions). Pantropazole. Have been on Remicade for two years -- now due for HACA test to see if building up antibodies. Just started on Methotrexate injections once a week which is geratly helping the pain in joints but not doing much for intense cramping, bloating etc. Just had CT scan and surgeo says "all clear" and gave me hydrocodone for cramp pain which does not always help. I also suffer swollen ankles.

Question -- Has anyone else experienced cramping and if so, what have you found to help? You would think after all of these years I could control this, but I am in pain about every other day and severe about once a week. My GI is not much help and just saying to wait until I can get the HACA blood test. I just found this forum today and am hoping for help and thank you for reading my story.

 

[Grant]

nr6332, If its as bad as it sounds then it could be your having problems from scarring. Maybe your overdoing the Questran (immodium??) & because things are more solid its having to squeeze through a narrowed gap.
I may well be wrong but I've had a lot of problems with scarring/strictures & have to err on the side of caution & keep things moving.
Either way pain is not to be taken lightly & IMO you need to make sure your G.I. realizes the pain your in. Long term pain can & will drag you down eventually & thats why this site is such a godsend.
I use Tramadol which is marvelous as long as you use it sparingly.
Hope things improve for you

Rgds
Grant

1st symptoms 1983
Diagnosed 1985
1997 Right Hemicolectomy & Resection
2002 Laperotomy & Resection
2010 Laproscopic Ileocolic Resection

Been on Azathioprine & Pred

Currently on Entocort 3mg every other day
Humira 40mg every two weeks
Calcichew
Pentasa 4gm daily
3mthly B12 Jabs

 

[nr6332]

Thanks

Thanks, Grant. I do think I will give up the Questran (powder used for high cholestreal, but side effect of constipation found to help people with lack of control) and the imodium for a couple of days. Have not heard of Tramadol -- is this for pain? My husband is also wanting me to call my GI, but have found in the past on a Friday afternoon he would just send me to the ER and they would merely inject pain killers, so think I will try to make it until Monday.

Thanks again.

 

[Grant]

Tramadol is for the pain, its pretty strong but very very good. My specialist recommended Loperamide(Immodium) syrup for me. I had torrential diarrohea up until that point, I still get it & have rotten days but it does help, it gets into your system quickly & gives me a degree of control. Could be worth asking about it.
Good luck

Grant

1st symptoms 1983
Diagnosed 1985
1997 Right Hemicolectomy & Resection
2002 Laperotomy & Resection
2010 Laproscopic Ileocolic Resection

Been on Azathioprine & Pred

Currently on Entocort 3mg every other day
Humira 40mg every two weeks
Calcichew
Pentasa 4gm daily
3mthly B12 Jabs