Bowel movements while in remission

[JamieG]

Hi there,

I was diagnosed with UC almost exactly a year ago, and struggled to get it under control until recently. Even now I don't feel in 'remission' as I still very often get painful bowel cramping and regular nausea. I am currently taking 200mg Imuran per day, which has gradually settled my symptoms over the past few months to only having one bowel movement a day (occasionally two). However it has also resulted in me becoming anemic, and having a lower than average White Blood cell count. I stopped taking all Pred back in November but being on it since last February caused me to have a very 'acidy' stomach, which still hasn't settled despite being Pred free.

I seem to remember that before I was diagnosed that I would open my bowels less than once a day, and although I feel content only going once a day, I still struggle to 'hold it in' for more than 5 minutes. The other notable difference for me between before diagnosis and currently is that I always go at the same time of day, which happens to be right in the middle of the day (between 1 & 3pm). This can be especially frustrating as I don't feel as though I can go and do activities that I enjoy such as Golf or Soccer at certain times of the day in case I can't get to a toilet on time. It would so much better if I could go to the loo either first thing in the morning or last thing at night so I wouldn't have to be worrying about it during the day... One thing that might not help is that I rarely eat breakfast, and find myself snacking a lot late evening time.
If anyone has any advice on things I could do to help move my bowel movements to a more convenient time it would be greatly appreciated!

Thanks,

Jamie

 

[mickey]

Having a movement at the same time every day is a sign your body is on its own schedule; which is healthy. In order to "move" it around, I would highly suggest you begin having something for breakfast (even if it is blending yogurt and berries in blender and having smoothie). That will put something in your stomach sooner and moving things along, since you are not moving until after you have something for lunch and it has processed it.

Stop the late evening snacking (nothing past 8pm) and that can help get your body clock back on schedule to an earlier elimination. It is also healthier for weight control and digestion.

I would also suggest you get on probiotics, since those are extremely helpful for your immune system and health of the colon. I use Yarrow or Healthy Trinity; whichever I have at the time. I do not miss a day. Digestive enzymes with every meal can also help keep things regular and digested properly.

I found my nausea was before I eliminated; could be up to hours beforehand. That was my first sign I had a delayed elimination coming due. I keep hydrated with water and do the Bikram "wind removing pose" (google it) daily, to stay regular and healthy movements. I imagine the cramping as the digestive tract having a hard time moving things through a swollen tube....when i visualize things it is easier for me to relax and give into it. I will do belly rubs and that usually resolves the pain quite quickly. May take five minutes or so, but it does help. It basically is getting blood circulating to the area and helping move things along and get out trapped gas. Hope these tips help!

 

[shamrock15]

If you only have one a day, and it doesn't take too long, I think you will likely develop a little more control soon. I still have normally 5 a day, and haven't had to give up golfing or any other activity. There may be some accidents along the way, but I think you should give it a try. I gained back my activities by deciding to take the chance. If your golf courses are like ours around here, you should have washroom facilities near the turn, so try to time your game to fit.