Hello all and good morning,
I was diagnosed with UC in 2008 and have had rather mild flares, based on what I've read here, so I am thankful for that. However, I'm not sure about what is happening to me right now so I thought I'd reach out for some helpful advice or suggestions.
I will try to be as detailed as possible while not being crude. And I apologize, but I am a bit wordy when I write.
Typically, when not in a flare, I usually have 2-4 bowel movements (BM) each day. Mornings are always difficult and I usually go at least twice in the first hour of my day. I also pass gas normally with no difficulty there.
For the last month or so, things have been different. I don't pass gas freely anymore, and instead it builds (I'm assuming) inside. Pain is NOT an issue at all, thankfully. However, with the gas building, it only enhances the urgency with each BM. My clock is around 15-30 seconds once I get the urge to go. The gas buildup also removes all hints of discretion from the process.
The BMs themselves have changed. It pretty much looks like dirt with a solid piece maybe 1-1 1/2 inches long and the width of a kid's crayon. But my entire body tenses up, similar to how the whole body tenses before vomiting, to pass something so small.
As for medication, I am on asacol 400 mg 3 pills 3x per day. Honestly, I'm usually good for 2 doses each day. I normally forget one.
My diet is ok, I guess, in that I don't eat fast food and my wife cooks pretty healthy items. I don't drink soda or alcohol. I exercise 3-4x/week as well and I always try to get my 7-8 hours of sleep.
I hope I didn't miss anything, but if I did, ask away. I'm hoping there is something I can do to try and avert this issue. I'm not even sure if it's a flare since I'm not bleeding at all.
I was diagnosed with UC in 2008 and have had rather mild flares, based on what I've read here, so I am thankful for that. However, I'm not sure about what is happening to me right now so I thought I'd reach out for some helpful advice or suggestions.
I will try to be as detailed as possible while not being crude. And I apologize, but I am a bit wordy when I write.
Typically, when not in a flare, I usually have 2-4 bowel movements (BM) each day. Mornings are always difficult and I usually go at least twice in the first hour of my day. I also pass gas normally with no difficulty there.
For the last month or so, things have been different. I don't pass gas freely anymore, and instead it builds (I'm assuming) inside. Pain is NOT an issue at all, thankfully. However, with the gas building, it only enhances the urgency with each BM. My clock is around 15-30 seconds once I get the urge to go. The gas buildup also removes all hints of discretion from the process.
The BMs themselves have changed. It pretty much looks like dirt with a solid piece maybe 1-1 1/2 inches long and the width of a kid's crayon. But my entire body tenses up, similar to how the whole body tenses before vomiting, to pass something so small.
As for medication, I am on asacol 400 mg 3 pills 3x per day. Honestly, I'm usually good for 2 doses each day. I normally forget one.
My diet is ok, I guess, in that I don't eat fast food and my wife cooks pretty healthy items. I don't drink soda or alcohol. I exercise 3-4x/week as well and I always try to get my 7-8 hours of sleep.
I hope I didn't miss anything, but if I did, ask away. I'm hoping there is something I can do to try and avert this issue. I'm not even sure if it's a flare since I'm not bleeding at all.