Concerned about contipation

[cam129]

Hi,

So I was diagnosed around 4-5 years ago, I've been on Prednisolone, Azaphioprine, Infliximab, I am currently on Humira and Methotrexate.

Ever since the onset of Crohn's, I have mostly had loose stools, I have never been constipated. I have always had loose to fairly formed stools. For the past couple of weeks I have been constipated, with formed and sometimes quite hard stools.

My diet has not changed. When I was first diagnosed the Dr told me to stay away from fibre, which I have done. Since the recent constipation I have added more fibre to my diet but it did not help.

I spoke with my IBD specialist nurse yesterday, as I was having very intense pains. She said is was due to the Fistula I have (which I am awaiting surgery for).

Although she did not mention the sudden change in BM. I am just quite concerned as my BM have always been loose.

Also even with my current medication I still have some degree of inflammation, so these formed and harder stools are causing quite a bit of pain. I have just got some stool softeners to help with that. I was more concerned about the sudden change.

can anyone shed any light on this?

Thank you

Cameron

 

[cam129]

So I tried some Dulcolax, which doesn't seem to be helping.

Also can Fistulas cause such intense pain?

 

[scottsma]

I don't know what else to suggest really.Are you drinking plenty of water ? How about a few canned prunes or figs.Not too many though.Just take it slowly. I hope you get some relief very soon.

 

[cam129]

Thanks for replying.

I should clarify that I am able to have a BM. The concern I have is the change, for 4-5 years of loose, suddenly it's formed. I am just not used to it at all.

Also the concern about the Fistula and the pain I am having. If a Fistula can cause a lot of pain.

Thanks

Cameron

 

[scottsma]

Sorry Cam,hopefully someone will be along soon who can help.Feel better soon.

 

[cam129]

Yeah hopefully.

Thank you again for replying though, I really do appreciate it

 

[UnXmas]

Can you see a doctor, or speak to your nurse again and tell her you're very concerned?

Since you are having bowel movements, it's probably not immediately serious, but such a drastic change should be investigated, especially if you're in pain as well. Do you have any other new symptoms? Do you have a temperature? Are you having to strain a lot to pass stool?

 

[cam129]

Thanks for replying Unxmas.

I spoke to the IBD Specialist nurse on Friday, she said the pain could be from the Fistula, Which I have been waiting surgery for. She told me to contact the surgery department to try and get me fast tracked as I have been waiting around six months.

I did mention the change but she didn't really bother about it. At first she said I might be due for another MRI and blood work, but then she said " it's probably the Fistula causing the pain"

I don't have any other new symptoms, it's just a change in BM, Pain and Blood.

Do you know if a Fistula can cause pain?

Thanks again

Cameron

 

[lenny]

An anal fistula can cause discharge and blood when passing stools and can be quite painful. WebMD.

 

[cam129]

Oh right. Thanks Lenny