constipation

by robert
(brandon mb)

constipation and crohn's
what can you take besides a stick of dynamite.

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Constipation NEW
by: Annette Young

Hello,

Thank you for writing in.

Crohn's disease affects people in very different ways. Commonly, crohn's sufferers tend to experience extreme bouts of diarrhea but complications can and do occur causing constipation.

I would urge you to seek medical advice if you have not already done so because these complications are serious and should not be ignored. Obstruction of the intestines occur as the bowel wall starts to narrow. With this narrowing of the bowel wall, malnutrition can start to occur because absorption is poor. Unfortunately, tears within the lining of the anus know as fissures or inflammation can cause fistulas to form.

So it is very important to seek help medical assistance for this even if it is just to eliminate any possibility.

For any Crohn's sufferer, it can be very difficult to absorb the right levels of nutrients anyway but if any further complications set in this lack of absorption can become a real problem.

I would suggest keeping an eye on your diet and ensuring that you eat really easy to digest foods so that you can still eat and yet do not put too much pressure on your digestive tract. You can top up with supplements to ensure your body stays as healthy as possible, but would also suggest seeking out the services of a good nutritionist if possible.

As mentioned, Crohn's affects people differently and while some do not get constipation they suffer with diarrhea, skin problems, arthritis- type symptoms or even inflammation of the mouth and eyes.

If you are on medication and you find it is not working, then you do need to go and get more support from your doctor. When the condition starts to change i.e.new symptoms occur or previous symptoms become worse, it is vital with this type of disease that your health specialist is kept up to speed with the changes because Crohn's disease can become very aggressive.

As you probably know, there is no known cure for this disease yet, so it is a case of managing it in the best way possible.

I have attached a link that you may find useful:

http://www.cdd.com.au/pages/disease_info/crohns_disease.html

Please do let us know how you get on.

Best wishes,
Annette

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Constipation from obstruction HELP!

I need some help! I have chronic constipation, not the big dry hard painfull stuff but the never feeling empty narrow stools that only come maybe twice a week. Does anybody have anything similar?

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Constipation
by: Rachel

hi, i was diagnosed with Chrons 9 months ago. although im on Pentassa and 6mp i havent stopped bleeding in 9mths. my appetite is low and suffer from diahorea and cramping alot.but when i get really hungry and eat normal sized portions (especially potatoes)i get constipated. i wouldnt be as bad as only going twice a week but i find MOVICOL sachets work a charm to soften the stools without causing chronic diahorea! Hope it helps!
Constipation
by: Rachel

hi, i was diagnosed with Chrons 9 months ago. although im on Pentassa and 6mp i havent stopped bleeding in 9mths. my appetite is low and suffer from diahorea and cramping alot.but when i get really hungry and eat normal sized portions (especially potatoes)i get constipated. i wouldnt be as bad as only going twice a week but i find MOVICOL sachets work a charm to soften the stools without causing chronic diahorea! Hope it helps!
Re: Constipation
by: Anonymous

My husband is currently having what sounds like simular problem. We have not had any answers yet and he is scheduling for another colonoscopy.

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Constipation part of crohns disease?

by Bluebell
(Tayside)

Hi i am a 33 year old crohns sufferer. I have had crohns disease for 14 years and I have had surgery three times. At the moment I seem to be struggling to go to the bathroom is this normal?

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Constipation part of crohn's disease? NEW
by: Annette Young

Hello,

Thank you for writing in. It's a good question.And certainly one that affects many people.

Crohn's affects people very differently. Symptoms can include:

Constipation
Diarrhea
Abdominal Cramps
Headaches
Joint Pain
Rashes
Eye Pain
Nausea

Some people suffer with constipation and find it very difficult to open their bowels, it can be painful and bleeding can occur. Sometimes there are blockages and during these times, it is important to go to the doctor to seek advice and potentially, surgery. While most people believe that diarrhea is more typical with Crohn's, constipation is not uncommon.

Those who suffer with diarrhea can find it unbearable. They suffer extreme weight loss, feeling uncomfortable, restricted and their lives limited by the need for the bathroom. It's the flip side of the coin but still has such a negative impact.

Although many Crohn's symptoms are similar, the actual effect on the individual can be very different - so treatment to ease symptoms can vary too.

Food is typically linked with this disease and there may be foods that you eat that will not help with constipation so perhaps keep a check on your diary and eat softer, easy to digest foods to ensure nutrient intake but if you do have a blockage- a narrowing of the intestinal walls, then you need medical assistance. It's worth checking out just in case.

I'm sorry to hear that you have had to undergo surgery. I hope that the symptoms ease for you.

I hope this helps.

Best wishes,

Annette

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Crohn's and Severe Constipation

by Haley

I was diagnosed with Crohn's 2 years ago. I had the normal Crohn's symptoms...as in going to the bathroom a million times a day! Thankfully, I had almost a full year of remission...until a few months ago. And now...I am CONSTIPATED all the time. Nothing works. I have tried every kind of laxative, even down to the stuff you use for a colonoscopy. And nothing!!! I have been eating fiber, drinking water, anything and everything...nothing works. I went to my GI yesterday and he did a rectal exam and said I was inflamed but not impacted...which I was very worried about!! But still after....4 ducolax tablets...just today...and still NOTHING!! I have used enemas, suppositories, magnesium......NOTHING IS WORKING AND I FEEL LIKE I WILL DIE IF I DON'T POOP SOON!!!!! Has anyone ever experienced this?? If so, any suggestions??

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Crohn's and Severe Constipation NEW
by: Annette Young

Hi there,

Thank you for writing in, I'm sorry to hear that you are experiencing bouts of constipation. I know just how uncomfortable this can be and unfortunately it can be indicative of an obstruction.

I don't know whether you have been officially diagnosed with Crohn's disease, whether you have actually seen a doctor recently and had all of the various tests done or if you are on medication, but I would strongly suggest that you do go and see a doctor just to find out whether there is a narrowing of the bowel wall.

It might explain why you have been experiencing such constipation and are unable to go irrespective of all that you have tried. I note that you are living on a vegan diet, while I think that this would be much more healthy than trying to digest lots of proteins as it can be hard for your digestive system to do so, please do read up on the benefits and negatives of fiber within your diet.
I know that too much can cause problems for some, so you need to be aware of it.

I attach some links that may be of use to you:
http://www.colitis-crohns.com/articles.html

http://www.cdd.com.au/pages/disease_info/crohns_disease.html

http://nutritionfacts.org/2012/09/13/dietary-treatment-for-crohns-disease/

I really hope this helps. Do let us know what happens.

Annette


Crohn's and Severe Constipation NEW
by: Annette Young

Hello there,

Thank you so much writing in. I'm sorry to read that you are having such a bad time of it. Constipation is a side effect of Crohn's disease and many people experience it but generally, it is more common to experience diarrhea and this brings its own set of frustrations.

The difficulty with Crohn's disease is that the symptoms can and do change and aggressive flare-ups are all too common. I note that you said you suddenly started experiencing constipation and have tried a multitude of things to get things moving, but have you been to see your doctor about this yet?

It is very important that you do seek help medical advice if not, because unfortunately prolonged bouts of constipation can be a sign of an obstruction occurring and while I do not want to frighten you, you cannot possibly leave this without getting some help.

When you feel constipated, it is such an uncomfortable feeling anyway, but much worse if there is not obstruction occurring as this is serious.

The bowel wall can start to stiffen and it narrows down and this is where the blockage occurs, for obvious reasons you cannot leave it is like this. I have read that aloe vera juice is greatly beneficial to those with Crohn's however one side effect can be better that it acts as a laxative so while you are waiting to see your doctor for additional tests, it might be worth a try with aloe Vera and just see if it helps.

Whatever happens or doesn't happen, please still go and get some tests done. Just to be on the safe side

I've attached a link which may give you some more information and be a good starting point at least:

https://www.crohns-disease-and-stress.com/constipation.html

I really hope this has helped point you in the right direction but do let us know how you get on

Best wishes,

Annette
Constipation NEW
by: Anonymous

I have been diagnosed with Colitis for the last 9 years until my most recent colonoscopy which showed inflammation in the small intestines. So I guess now it is Crohn's. All this time I have mostly been constipated - with very few exceptions for loosing bowel control. Nothing moves through me. I have been told I ahve a redundant (extra long) colon, and some structural abnormalities such as a rectocele and a sigmoidocele - typical of woman who have give birth - although I have not had kids yet. I have been told I have total colonic inertia.

So after trying everything from eating a vegan diet (which I still do) to laxatives, I now have a daily routine of giving myself a tap water enema - using a 2 quart enema container. Using this and some pretty intense massaging of the colon, I have movements. I also get a professional colonic about every two weeks as the enemas are not sufficent.

I recommend this to anyone who has severe chronic constipation.

But I am also wondering if anyone else has this AND Crohn's? I am in pain a lot and very uncomfortable.

Does anyone have any other solutions?

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Constipation and crohns disease

I feel as though I constantly need the toilet, it's really painfully and feels like it's trying to force it way out.
When I try to go, it won't come and I am now only going to the toilet about once or twice a fortnight. Any help?

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Constipation and Crohn's NEW
by: Annette Young

Hello,

Thanks for writing in. Most people associate diarrhea with Crohn's disease but there are people- like yourself who suffers with feelings of constipation.

It occurs when the stools move too slowly and those feces that stay within the bowel, become dry and hard which makes it more difficult to pass them. For most people, constipation can be quite harmless, albeit it very uncomfortable.
Some people have slower bowel movements and may go as little as twice a week but you should always go when you need to. The train of thought that you should go once or more a day is not typical of everybody.

When you eat and the food then leaves your stomach, it usually is just partially digested and as it moves through your body, valuable fluids are removed while it moves down into the colon, this is where it becomes transformed into the typical feces. The problems occur if it stays too long in the colon.

Think of the intestines as an elastic band usually, but the problems can occur when inflammation takes place causing the walls to swell outwards and inwards, restricting the narrow passage way. Blockages are quite common unfortunately with Crohn's sufferers and I think that you should ensure you do not have a blockage as this could be indicative as to why you are struggling with your bowel movements.

I think it is worth a check-up if only to give you peace of mind.

I hope this helps?

Best wishes,

Annette



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Constipation with crohns

I am 17 yrs old from india. I have been diagnosed with chrons disease 4 months ago and now am in remission. I take budez 3mg and aziothiprene 10 mg daily with an iron , calcium and folic acid supplement. Now the problem is i am having problem in passing my stools. It takes quite a pain to pass stools and now it has become very irregular too. So what should be done?

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Constipation with Crohn's NEW
by: Annette Young

Hi there,

I was sorry to read that you are suffering with Crohn's disease and then constipation. People believe that diarrhea is the symptom experienced but it can be either. I agree with Lydia's comment in that iron tablets can cause constipation. I believe there are some gentler iron solutions but you would need to check up on this.

When you have Crohn's disease you have to take a whole lifestyle approach to the condition and make key changes and this also means avoiding certain foods. White flour products are not good for anyone but certainly not if you have any digestive problems. It is important to keep your body hydrated fully and this means reducing other drinks especially alcohol and fizzy drinks and instead having water.

Crohn's as a condition makes life very difficult because it makes you go against the grain when it comes to certain food types. We are all told to increase our fibre or good bowel health but with Crohn's it can make it worse.

Reducing stress from your life is a good first step too. I know we cannot go through life without some stress but learning to manage it is essential as this will affect your Crohn's. Try a meditation session each day, it will make a big difference to our whole outlook and hopefully will help with the Crohn's too.

Best of luck,

Annette

Constipation with crohns NEW
by: Lydia D.


Iron tablets cause constipation. As do the certain foods. Avoid bananas, white flour products (rotis, nan bread, chapattis, parathas, etc.), fatty fried foods, sweets, tea, etc. More here: http://www.livestrong.com/article/27043-list-constipating-foods/

It is really important that you drink at least 2 litres water a day - not Colas and sodas and other sugary drinks.

One cup of coffee (not more) should get your bowels working in the morning. However, coffee is a diuretic and can worsen constipation if you are not drinking enough fluids. This is especially important if it is warm - in this case you need more than 2 litres fluid a day.

Hydration is very important because Crohn's patients are at risk of stroke other thrombotic disease. As a teenager you are not exempt from this. I suggest that you carry a bottle of water with you all the time and make yourself sip from it. This will also help your liver clear the toxins from your body, especially the breakdown products from your medication.

You could try prunes or prune juice with your breakfast in addition to a cup of coffee. They work as a natural laxative.

The caveat is that a higher fibre diet may exacerbate your Crohn's. If this happens, then eat more of the lower fibre vegetables: carrots, cauliflower, broccoli, ladies's fingers (okra), mushrooms, etc. http://kitchen-parade-veggieventure.blogspot.com/2008/02/high-fiber-low-fiber-vegetables.html#one_fiber_vegetables

Constipation with Crohn's NEW
by: Anonymous

My daughter uses Miralax when this happens. She also takes a probiotic called Culturell. Per her doctor this is fine to take and they are now recommening it to other patients. This probiotic has helped her to have more normal bowel movements.
constipation NEW
by: Anonymous

i also have this problem use sennakot one a day and also and enema, enemas cause less bloating so preferable to sennakot

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bubbles and constipation

can you get constipated from eating bubbles?

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Crohn's and constipation

by Rena
(Tx)

Need to know if claim of constipation and Crohn's disease is linked?

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Crohn's and Constipation NEW
by: Annette Young

Hello there,

Thank you for your post. It is possible to be constipated and to have Crohn's but unfortunately, it could be a blockage. i would strongly suggest going to seek medical advice on this. Do not leave it.

Inflammation in the intestines can lead to scar tissue occurring and as a result, thos areas of intestine start to narrow. This is commonly known as a stricture. When you eat food and it starts to digest, sometimes, this digestive waste can start to cause an obstruction at these narrower points meaning you cannot open your bowels.
If you have the following symptoms, you may have an obstruction.

Cramping in the abdomen
Vomiting
Bloating
You may also feel uncomfortably full.

You should never leave this to chance because the bowel could rupture.

Just to be on the safe side, do go and get yourself checked out with a doctor. Hopefully it's not an obstruction but at least you will have peace of mind.

Best wishes,

Annette

remicade
by: Anonymous

I am a Crohns patient on remicade. Can this cause me to have constipation problems which I have never experienced before.

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what should I take for constipation

by Nancy
(Leicester United Kingdom)

Hi I was diagnosed with crohns disease 6 months ago,and at the moment I am badly constipated and was wondering what I coould take for the constipation.

Thanks

Kind Regards

Nancy

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constipation and chron's disease

by Terry
(Alamogordo, NM)

I am allready taking fish oil what else is there for constipation 'that is safe' when you have chrons and taking pills that cause constipation?

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Constipation in crohns

I was diagnosed having crohns last year and life has not been the same ever since. Unlike the moat common symptom, I suffer from constipation ir more so strained stool problem. Eating the right food has been the major issue. I am unable to digest fiberous food, salad, high protein food like fish, egg and chicken. I have been responding well to light pasta or risotto but that too is not consistent. I have severe stomach pains after eating dinner. At times the pain and discomfort is so bad that I think I should stop eating dinner ..... Any suggestions or help ??

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Crohn's and constipation

Please help.I am one of the few you don't hear about.Can anybody help me with any suggestions on how to cope with not going to the bathroom very often?

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Crohn's and constipation
by: Anonymous

I am also one of the few who has Crohn's with constipation, which is embarrassing in its own right because of a constantly bloated stomach and a lot of wind. I use something called Movicol (in South Africa) but often go 3-4 days without anything happening. I try to eat frequently, like every couple of hours, as I find that keeps my bowel moving a bit better. It seems to make no difference how much water I drink.
constipation with crohn's
by: Bobbie

I also have constipation with my crohns. I have been taking fiber and I try to eat salad, apples and stool softener. It does help some but basically l always I constipation. I know how you feel because there are times that I may go 2 to 3 or 4 days without a movement. The pain is so bad I take my pain pill or pills along with my nausea pill to keep me home from the hospital. My flare ups are daily. Sometimes my flare ups are 1 or up to 4 a day. I wish there was something I could help you with this. I just take one day art a time.I know what foods I should not eat. It is just a test to see what foods affect you. Keep a food journal. I wish you the best of luck and will keep you in my prayers. May God be with you and protect you.
I use lactulose
by: Anonymous

Lactulose doesn't contain any fibre. It works by retaining more fluid in your gut. It may cause problems with wind.
The trick is to take some every day, even if you have just had a poo, and adjust the daily amount until you are happy with the results.
I found that my gut gradually adjusted to a fibre-free diet, until I didn't need the lactulose any more.

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Constipation and Crohn's

Did anyone start off with chronic constipation before getting crohn's? I have crohn's and my seven year old daughter has had chronic constipation (despite eating plenty of fibre, drinking plenty of water and getting enough exercise) for the last four years. I am worried she may be prone to getting crohn's later on!

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Constipation and Crohns NEW
by: Annette Young

Hello,

I am sorry to hear that your daughter is suffering with chronic constipation, it must be very unpleasant for her and as a Crohn's sufferer yourself, it must be quite worrying for you.

Unfortunately, some people do start off with chronic constipation and these symptoms can continue off and on for a long time, but I do wonder whether she is eating too much fibre?

I say this because those people who are affected by inflammatory bowel disease can have greater problems at digesting the fibre and it can increase these unpleasant symptoms. It might be an idea to break down the fibre so that it is easier for her to digest, boil or mashed for example or pureed. It enables the digestive processes to take place without working too hard.

Constipation can also occur if the intestine is narrowed and a narrowing of the intestines occurs in Crohn's so it worth exploring this aspect. I would certainly suggest taking her to the doctor to eliminate the potential for Crohn's at this point because no one should have chronic constipation continuously.

If constipation occurs quite suddenly and she experiences vomiting and severe abdominal pain, it can be an indicator that there is an obstruction and you should seek medical assistance immediately.

It is also worth noting that stress can be a contributor to constipation and if your daughter is experiencing some external pressures at school or socially, then the stress can manifest in this way. I feel that you have doubts and concerns and therefore it is worth taking her to the doctors to ensure that there is not anything more serious there.

There is more information here: http://www.crohnsforum.com/wiki/Constipation
and here: http://kidshealth.org/parent/general/sick/constipation.html?tracking=P_RelatedArticle

I hope this helps. Do let us know how she gets on.
Annette
I agree with the constipation issue and CD
by: ANONYMOUS

My mother is in her late 70s,diagnosed with cd in her forties. She is an extremely fit lady who has had an illeostomy for 25 years. Her general problems include back pain,cramp,fatigue (never gives in to it though) and all associated symptoms of cd. Good days and bad days. She is a fiesty person who, with the exception of extreme flare up, (rare) has never taken to her bed. My whole family, including all maternal grandchildren, show signs of cd, yet are all extremely fit, members of sports teams etc! and generally healthy with no major bowel issuses apart from bouts of IBS etc. My mother says in her early days she could go three weeks without going to the toilet,so constipation was a serious problem in her life, which I believe has contributed to the exacerbation of her illness leading to illeostomy,hence my family taking great care with bowel function. I believe cd is a general inflamatory illness, wich involves bowels, yet a person can have all the symptoms of cd and also have fairly normal bowels, with IBS as the general diagnosis. Also some people having this more severely than others, especially if it involves ulceration and bleeding etc... As the Americans say, go figure!!! :)
I have it
by: Jen

I've also had a lot of constipations before CD diagnosis. Then stool became softer, but with mucosa. And then I was diagnosed with Crohn's.
I have no problems with stool now, but pain is annoying when I'm flaring
Chrons and constipation
by: Anonymous

I have had constipation through out my entire life. I have also been recently diagnosed with chrons disease and I am awaiating a colanoscopy. I found that my flare up occur mostly when I Am constipated. I also have alot of back pain and crmaps in my lower abdomen.I am sick everyday its been like this for almost 2yrs now!!! I just want to feel better and feel normal!
reply
by: carmella

hey,
Im no expert as ive not long been diagnosed with CD myself but im 22 currently and for years(all through my teeneage years) i suffed with constipation.I suffed with this right up untill i ended up in hospital. Since being diagnosed with CD my bowel movements have completely changed, just like that, which i have found quite strange, but thankful :) I now go at least once a day.
childhood constipation.
by: Angie

I strongly urge all parents who have children with constipation to use probiotics, Neways have a fabulous one called Lacto-Flora.when my son was 3 yrs old we went through months of constipation and tried lots of things and Lacto Flora cured him.
re: constipation and crohns
by: shadowjesse

Years ago, that is how I was diagnosed. I would not go to the bathroon for days and the food would just sit until I threw it up. The cramping ws awful and after testing I ws diagnosed with crohns. AFter high doses of prednisone i was clear for 15 years but just had a resection two weeks ago. I had the same fears about my son. He always complained of stomach aches and was always in the bathroom. I took him to a peds GI with my concerns and a colonoscopy showed nothing. It seemed to be stress related. Now he is fine.
constipation and chrons
by: Lizzie loose bowels

Hi i have had the same with my children but tests have been done and come back all clear, my Consultant has informed my my children have a 3 percent chance of getting chrons if both parents have it, try not worry many children have childhood constipation x

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