I've tried everything!

[eatdirt_13]

Hi Everyone,

I'm new to this forum, I thought I would sign up as everyone seems very friendly and it seems like a good place to get support!

Just a bit of background information about me: My name is Matt, I'm 23 with Crohn's. Had to have 30cm of my Ileum removed in 2005 resulting in an Ileostomy for a year, then finally a resection.

After my resection I have been on Pentasa and Questran ever since and it has been working wonders, I have been able to eat pretty much what I want and the Questran has done a brilliant job in controlling my BM's.

However, in the last few Months, I have been getting intense pain in my colon, so I got referred to have a Colonoscopy which showed up nothing of significance apart from slight ulceration where I was joined back up (strangely not the side I've been getting pain!)

Since the examination and them taking a biopsy from the ulceration, I have felt a gradual worsening at that point where I was joined back up, as well as very bad Descending / Sigmoid area pain. The doc suggested reducing the amount of Questran I'm taking to 1/2 a sachet per day, which I have been trying but no luck.

The best way of describing whats happening is when I eat, it feels like it all builds up, then I don't go to the toilet for a full day, even though I feel the need, I can't, but just before I really need to go is where the major pain kicks in, which is finally relieved when I go. It's as if the only reason I'm going to the loo is because there literally is no more room for food in me thus forcing out!

Sorry for the rant, but just wondering if anyone has had any experience of REALLY bad/painful constipation with or without Questran and if so, what have you done to help.

Thanks for reading any advice is much appreciated.

Matt

 

[Crohn's 35]

:welcome: Matt! There has been so many people from the UK lately! Nevertheless, we all love Uk people lol.

I have had a two resections and from the last crohns symposium since we are all different the more you have taken out the faster is can come back. The other thing is rejoining can cause scar tissue and therefore any inflammation at all will cause pain and feel like your bowels are not moving. If you are constipated, I would ask you doctor if you can stop the Questran because it stops your bowels from moving and if you have diahreah yeah I can understand that. I dont use Questran any more. My bms are not near as bad. I have had a total of 2ft taken out and I do have D at times but better than bowels not moving.

When you get bad pains, get someone to listen to your belly area and if the gurgling isnt there you could be headed for a bowel obstruction. Just my thoughts from my experiences.

I would suggest you ask your doc for another scope. Hang in there, many people here to help you cause we are a great forum!!!

 

[eatdirt_13]

Pen,

Thanks for your quick reply!

When you say obstruction do you mean at the re-join or in the colon where I'm getting pains before a BM? My doc said colonoscopy showed that the whole colon was completely normal which doesn't make sense.

When I'm not in pain I can poke and prod my belly where it usually hurts and I get no pain whatsoever, only before going to the toilet.

In regards to questran, it seems if I take it, I get bad constipation, but If I miss a day or two (I have tried) i get lots of gurgly and whooshing feelings. I cant win! I have also tried a few days on both a low and high fiber diet, but I can't say I have noticed a difference.

Thanks again

Matt

 

[Crohn's 35]

It could mean you could have an ostruction from inflammation that has now occurred or somewhere else. Crohns can be anywhere in the tract. Colonoscopies are the best way in my opinion but they should of done biopies? Was any taken? Low residue diets help. Avoid chewy foods for now. Sorry not much help, and I am not a doctor. :hang:

 

[mickey]

Crohn's swells and restricts the movement of the bowels. When you eat, I am sure you can picture and feel as though the food sits there and does not move. I would suggest you get it moving and rub your belly as much as possible, until you begin hearing good belly/gurgling sounds. Using your navel as the center, use the palm of your hand and rub from right side (ascending colon), up and around to your left side (descending colon) and down around to your right. Repeat as much as possible. Definitely when you wake up and prior to sleep. This will help you with the circulation of your colon and you should feel a great difference. When you are in extreme pain, have someone else do it for you. The pressure can be more intense when you feel less movement and lighter, as needed. Works like a charm. When you understand all you are doing is helping move things along and getting the blood flow to the area to help heal your belly, the pain of your belly is not so frightening (of course as long as you know it is not a serious health issue).

 

[eatdirt_13]

Mickey,

Thanks for your advice I will definitely give this a go! Since I came out of the Hospital though, it's been mostly right sided pain where they took a biopsy (at the join). I'm just now worried that this has really aggravated it and it's not going to return to normal

The way I can describe the right sided pain is, not excruciating, but a constant dull ache which I can pinpoint, slightly worse after eating, but again not really painful just uncomfortable.

I'm hoping it has just irritated it and it's on the road to recovery.

Thanks again!

 

[mickey]

I would highly suggest light rubs around it. That will get blood circulating and help it heal quicker. Additionally, do not drink any carbonated beverages (causes bloating) or alcohol. Eliminate any sugary drinks (use honey, if needed), and that will help reduce inflammation. Make sure you watch your foods as well. Careful what you put in and your body will heal faster. yes, you are probably healing in that area, so take it easy. Do not EVER let yourself submit to the disease or lose hope that you will never return to "normal" again. That is the first sign of defeat and you can not let your mind go there. Keep focused on how you can heal your body and keep pushing. I did it and never look back. If I get stomach trouble, all I do is look at what I put into it and realize I should not have eaten or drank what I did prior. Pretty simple, but disease can not grow if you are eating and drinking healthy! Of course, physical activity (walking is fine) of at least 30 minutes a day will make healing quicker as well. Keep the blood circulating and the body is made to heal itself. Read up whenever you have trouble and keep your mind focused on a positive outcome. Our mind takes on too much stress and it affects the body as well. You can do it! Look at this as a little speed bump in life and keep moving forward. You are healing from your biopsy and keep rubbing the area, so it does not form much scar tissue and it keeps things moving along! Keep in touch!