Constipation??

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joanisna4
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Constipation??

Post by joanisna4 »

So I've followed the advice I've been given here and stopped the random bites I've been eating of the "bad foods" and the D is completely gone. Kind of a nice break from several times a day. But now I can feel that I'm constipated. I haven't gone in a few days at all and I can feel that I need to. I'm scared to add some fiber into my diet, or to try anything other than the BRAT diet. Anything other than what I'm eating now upsets my stomach and I don't want to bring on another flare.
The feeling of needing to go but not being able to is extremely uncomfortable.
Is there a safe balance?

Mandy
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Post by Lilja »

Mandy,
My first thought was "don't rock the boat", but of course it must be uncomfortable.

I've never heard that people go for long time without pooping, so I guess it will happen sooner or later.

The more experienced participants may have some good advice :grin:

Lilia
Collagenous Colitis diagnosis in 2010
Psoriasis in 1973, symptom free in 2014
GF, CF and SF free since April, 2013
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tex
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Post by tex »

Hi Mandy,

Are you taking Entocort or budesonide? If so, constipation means that it is time to reduce your daily dose.

Can you tolerate applesauce, for example? How about prunes? If you don't want to experiment with fiber, magnesium supplements work as a laxative when taken in larger than normal doses. For example, taking more than 400 mg of magnesium citrate might work while your intestines still have a long way to go to completely heal.

My typical symptoms were alternating D and C, and during the D phases, my system was pretty much flushed out, so it took a few days before I accumulated enough "residue" to have another BM. But I wasn't taking budesonide. If you are taking Entocort, then it will definitely cause C at some point after the diet begins to work, so you will need to reduce your dose and probably also do something to relieve the C.

But the lack of D is definitely a good sign.

Tex
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It is suspected that some of the hardest material known to science can be found in the skulls of GI specialists who insist that diet has nothing to do with the treatment of microscopic colitis.
joanisna4
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Post by joanisna4 »

The only thing I'm taking right now is Apriso. Not sure if I spelled that right. 4 pills a day. The Dr prescribed an antidepressant for me. I can't remember the name of it, but from what I've been reading on here, this one either helps or causes things to get worse. So I'm still on the fence about taking it. I thought I'd wait until after my enterolab testing was in and go from there.

I haven't tried applesauce but I know apples really don't agree with me so I've stayed away from applesauce just in case.
I keep a record of what I eat on an app that I have. With the basic diet I'm on right now I'm only getting 8-10 g of fiber a day. That's not much.
I just ordered vitamin d and was gonna start taking that. Can I take the magnesium along with that?
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Gabes-Apg
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Post by Gabes-Apg »

Wow!, that was quick.
Proves that what ever you were having in the 'bad bites ' was an irritant.

Subtle fibre will help, maybe some well cooked vegetables with your bland eating plan. Try Carrots, or sweet potato, or zucchini or cauliflower.

Given the constipation and discomfort, I would definitely recommend magnesium along the the Vit D3.

The other things to help constipation;
-increase water intake
- add some safe oil to your eating plan, coconut oil, or rice bran oil etc

Keep in mind,you don't want to increase the fibre toooo much, as this bulks up the stool and can make things more uncomfortable.

It can take a few days to a week for things like the magnesium, water, oil etc to work. So go really slow with introducing them. Have some, wait 24-36 hours, if no change have some more, if you do too much too soon you may revert back to D.

Isn't life in MC world a hoot!!!
Gabes Ryan

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tex
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Post by tex »

Mandy wrote:I just ordered vitamin d and was gonna start taking that. Can I take the magnesium along with that?
Yes, both vitamin D and magnesium are safe to take with just about anything else. Gabes' suggestion to add oils to your diet is a good one. Olive oil, coconut oil, fish oil, even animal fats will lubricate the colon to promote motility. I mentioned fish oil because 1 or 2 of the 1,000 or 1,200 mg capsules of fish oil are usually fine, but if we take 3 or 4 of them, they will tend to speed up motility.

Tex
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It is suspected that some of the hardest material known to science can be found in the skulls of GI specialists who insist that diet has nothing to do with the treatment of microscopic colitis.
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Post by nerdhume »

I'm not sure if 'Toxic Megacolon' is as much of a risk with MC as with UC. Don't let this go on too long, if it's already been a few days.
I keep glycerine suppositories for just such occasions, because C causes me way more pain that D.
Theresa

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We must all suffer one of two things: the pain of discipline or the pain of regret. ~Jim Rohn
joanisna4
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Post by joanisna4 »

Thanks for all the tips! I'll definitely try everything!
With the magnesium and vitamin D, what's the best dose? I checked with my local GNC and they have what I need, dairy, gluten etc free. But all different mg per pill.
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Gabes-Apg
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Post by Gabes-Apg »

Magnesium
- minimum 600mg if it doesnt cause D, then 800mg for 8 weeks would correct any deficiencies
this is 'elemental' magnesium. work gradually up to this dose over a couple of weeks, spread it out through the day, ie small amount 2-3 times through the day

Vit D3
3000iu-5000iu per day is good starting point.
Gabes Ryan

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CathyMe.
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Post by CathyMe. »

I agree with adding more water and coconut oil!
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