Constipation

[carlahope]

Diagnosed with ulcerative colitis in 2012, but had symptoms for years....was told it was IBS. Pain, bloating, joint pain, blah blah blah. All the same issues that most have except I have constipation. I was prescribed Asacol, but I had flu like symptoms immediately, very dizzy, severe headache, achy and just a feeling of ill health, so I stopped taking it. I was told there was nothing else for me because the the same ingredient found in Asacol was in the others as well.

My dr. thinks because I'm not having diarrhea, and not losing weight that she can't do anything for me. I have mouth sores (inside & out), I've had a fistula, pain in my lower right abdomen, and I am so frustratingly fatigued all the time.

I explained that I just cannot go on like this. She prescribed entocort 3x daily, and every 6 wks reducing the dosage....already experiencing weight gain.

I am scheduled for another colonoscopy but I can't get in until November 2014. I'm told the first cancellation, is mine

Help! If you have constipation what meds are you taking? Does the pain and fatigue ever stop?

This has taken over my life and has stopped me from doing things I love, like exercise of any kind (walking, aerobics, biking).

 

[DJW]

Hi and welcome. IBD can cause constipation. You need to be referral to a GI specialist. November is to long to wait for a colonoscpoy in my opinion Where was the fistula? Has it healed?
I have crohns but I'm sure someone with UC will be along soon.

I hope you get answers soon.

 

[theOcean]

Wow, I'm amazed that if you have a fistula you haven't been put on stronger medication! I would definitely ask for an immunosuppressant or biologic immediately, because they're great for treating them.

Constipation is a symptom of IBD, even though some people think it's only diarrhea. Some people don't even get any symptoms at all but still get inflammation, which is pretty dangerous since it's harder to notice! So once you're put on proper medication, that should hopefully all stop.

 

[carlahope]

I had the fistula just on the outside of the anus in Jan 2013, I wasn't 100% sure what it was so I saw my GP. She confirmed it and prescribed antibiotics. It healed and I have not had another one.

 

[my little penguin]

DS has constipation as part of his crohn's.
I agree with the other s nov is way too long to have to wait .
If your in Michigan - Cleveland clinic is a top Ibd clinic for a second opinOn.

As far as meds DS has tried them all.
Currently he is on a biologic and vsl#3 DS probiotics plus daily miralax.

As long as we stay ahead of the inflammation then the constipation gets better otherwise its a cyclical thing.

 

[Ness1993]

I had really bed constipation when i started steroids. I spoke to my IBD nurse and was prescribed laxido. Even speak to your GP and see if they can give you something for helping you go? This may sound silly but i always tell people that a good hot cup of tea can sometimes help things move.
At the moment im only on steroids until i get another colonoscopy then will hopefully start immunosuppressants.
Hope things will get easier soon. Hugs

 

[Polar bear]

Hi there, for constipation my doctor prescribed docusate/colace, but later she told me to try a few pieces of dried pitted prunes chewed properly followed by a glass of water before going to bed.2 pieces works for me. More than 2 gives me loose bowel movement.

 

[theOcean]

Wanted to chime in again because I also have problems with constipation and saw my GI yesterday. He prescribed me Resotran to start taking -- it's a pill and you just take 2mg a day. It's pretty new, so maybe you could look into that?

 

[CrohnsFighter]

I've always had constipation problems. When I was young I used to take mineral oil. Never found it effective, unless I was looking for times of embarrassment in which it performed 100%. I went through a rough patch and began using it again about 4-5 years ago up until my 2nd endo/1st colonoscopy. I needed something else, and was told to try miralax.

I've taken Miralax daily for the past.... I want to say 3 years. I take 2/3 of a cap. Sometimes more, sometimes less. I have nothing but positive things to say about it.

 

[Eternal_Howl]

I'm well versed in the 'art of constipation', unfortunately. I have found licorice (black with actual licorice root in it), dried pitted prunes, dates and dried Turkish apricots helpful. Granted, they will give you a kick in the pants if you have too many and can cause stomach cramping.
After a surgery in 2005, I took LBS II by Natures Sunshine for a wee while to help keep my stools soft. It's a herbal lower bowel stimulant and I tend to keep some on hand, just in case. It was recommended to me by someone who used to run a natural foods and remedies store. It was a lifesaver. I had bad pains after a laparotomy and while I still had the pain, the stools stayed soft and I was regular, so it was the consolation prize as I didn't want to blow out my stitches or staples from straining with a hardened poop. It was pretty consistent for me too. I'd take it in the evening before bed and after I'd had breakfast in the morning, I would go. For immediate relief though that's going to help soften up that stool without requiring an enema, I would recommend downing several glasses of water in a short duration. Not so much that you'll drown yourself in it, but enough that it will get into your colon and soften that stuff up a bit so it moves. Once you pass that first hardened stool (and go easy on yourself, don't strain too much - it could tear), then the rest should be a bit easier. It's the initial phase of getting your colon out of its stubborn state. And give yourself time and privacy. Don't tell your body it has to go in two seconds. It won't happen. Grab a book, or something and sit there, stand up when you need to. Sit...change positions. Try not too force it too much. If you're really backed up and bunged up, then they could be solid forms that feel like you're crapping rocks and will be a bit scratchy. Give your body time to adjust to what's coming down the proverbial line.

 

[carlahope]

Eternal_Howl
Thank you for the REAL, but somewhat humorous response. I appreciate the simple terms you use to describe having a successful bowel movement. You made me smile....Thank you, I will definitely try all your tips.

 

[nativesith]

I too know constipation all too well. I use a combination of medications.
Sodium Docusate(stool softener) x2 a day with a Senokot(Laxative) at bedtime.
If that is na enough I will use Lactulose. This does work.
However I still experience pain (Especially afterwards)and fatigue. Hot bath is what makes me feel better most days. I also try to drink more water than anything(No Soda, coffee,etc).
Hope that helps you as much as it does me.

 

[theOcean]

So, I know I suggested it above but I'm on day two of taking Resotran and my constipation is gone already. This medication is wonderful, and it's so easy to just take one pill a day! I've been experiencing chronic constipation since August (and still searching for causes) but this is a huge relief in the meantime. I haven't had diarrhea or any cramping from it, either -- just normal, painless and strain-less bowel movements. I never thought I would encounter those again.

 

[Eternal_Howl]

So, I know I suggested it above but I'm on day two of taking Resotran and my constipation is gone already. This medication is wonderful, and it's so easy to just take one pill a day! I've been experiencing chronic constipation since August (and still searching for causes) but this is a huge relief in the meantime. I haven't had diarrhea or any cramping from it, either -- just normal, painless and strain-less bowel movements. I never thought I would encounter those again.

Is Resotran an OTC, or a prescription medicine? Glad you found relief!

 

[theOcean]

It's prescription! I'm currently in the process of trying to get it covered, because OTC (and I've tried basically everything) never really worked well enough for me and was a pain to take.