Constipation and Crohn's

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Joined
Mar 6, 2015
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Hello all. I'm 43, diagnosed by "accident" in 2000. I had almost 3ft of my small intestines removed.

I don't "flair" often anymore, by flair I mean diarrhea. But as of late (last 2-3 months) I have begun suffering with extreme constipation. I haven't change anything in my routine. No new medications or change in diet.

It come out but I still feel as if I have to move my bowels and nothing more. When I get up and come back to bed or try to sit it feels like it's "right there" but nothing more.

This bout has been happening for almost 2 weeks. Should I go to the ER?

Thx!

Oh and not on any medications for Crohn's. Humira does not work for me. (I participated in the clinical trials)
 
I'm not sure you need to go to the ER. If you see your GP (or gastroenterologist) they can do a rectal examination to confirm whether or not there is anything there. If there is, they can give you an enema or suppositories to clear it. If the constipation is recurring, a gastroenterologist should be able to help find the reason for it and try to treat it on a long term basis if necessary. Sometimes you can get the urge even though the bowel is empty, e.g. with a rectal prolapse. In that case it may be worth seeing a colorectal specialist.
 
I thank you for your reply. I have "examined" myself and can feel the blockage. It feels like it's bigger the my opening. Today I will try apple juice since I am not a fan of prune juice.
 
You may also have inflammation or stricturing happening as well. This is one of the joys that I have. I second the recommendation to see your GI. If things do completely stop for you though, then it may be time to go see the ER people.
 
It does sound like you should see a doctor about this if you're not able to resolve it at home soon. And as shamrock says, if you can't pass anything at all you may need ER.
 
Hello!

I am having the same issues. I weaned on my Entocort at the beginning of the month to half the dose. Started with intense abdominal pain, chills and diarrhea and now, constipation. Nothing for 5 days now, except minimal gas. The urge is there, but nothing moves. I've tried miralax and increased my water intake to a gallon a day. No success.

I understand the grief. I hope you find some relief soon. I am waiting for a MRI. My GI mentioned a possible stricture. Just a thought. I would seek medical attention from your GI.
 
Thanks all. I hope things "work out" before Sunday afternoon (tomorrow). I have already instructed my husband to bring me to the ER.

I am passing tiny pieces but only after much straining. Gas passes but it is very uncomfortable.

Brnizshay (brown eyes Shay)
 
Lenny, I'm not comfortable with doing that and neither is my husband or sister. That's why I'll (maybe) go to the ER.

Brnizshay (brown eyes Shay)
 
My mom had my in the 60's and I remember her saying that the worst part about having a baby was that they gave you an enema at the hospital.

And I've escaped to this day, without getting one at a hospital. Definitely prefer to do that in the privacy of my own bathroom! :)
 
I have an ileostomy now, but before I got it I had a few enemas. brnizshay, I was the same as you - I wouldn't have given myself one! Well, maybe if I needed them regularly and had been properly instructed about how to do it. But the few I had, for various reasons, were done by doctors or nurses. I don't know if you need to go to the ER though. Do you have the option of getting an appointment with a GP or practice nurse? I'm sorry, I'm not familiar with the job titles in the US! But any doctor can do it basically, so if the ER means long waiting times or whatever, you may have other options.

Enemas are uncomfortable, but really not so bad. I was worried I'd get in a mess if I did it myself so I was always happy to have a professional do it. Also, since you don't know exactly what's going on, it may be a good idea to have a doctor examine you first anyway, so that's another reason I think you're right not to attempt an enema at home. You wouldn't want to have an enema if there's a better solution to the problem.
 
Thx Lenny. My GP won't do it and getting an appointment with "my" GI is an impossible wait. I decided to give my body one more day.

Brnizshay (brown eyes Shay)
 
Went to the ER yesterday. Did a CTscan and I do have a rectal impaction. The ER doc gave me two options. Either do saline enema and an hour or so later do a mineral oil one -or- they could numb my butt and manually attempt to remove it. (When this happened last time I was admitted and enemas were done) I opted for the first suggestion. We shall see if it helps. Unfortunately the enemas weren't covered by my insurance. If they would have filled them $20 a pop. OTC $4. We shall see if they help later today.

Brnizshay (brown eyes Shay)
 

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