severe bowel pain -gas?

Dear all, for the past 2 weeks I've been having severe pains in my bowel. I only get relief if I pass gas, which is often terribly smelly. My BM's range from being soft to very hard, but only 2-3x daily. I don't see much, if any mucous, and no blood so far. However, the quantity of my BM's is huge. I've tried Gas-X, but it doesn't seem to help much. I can barely sleep at night due to the sudden sharp pangs. I called my GI today and left a message, but I haven't heard back from him yet. I could do with some advice. I'm really tired and quite nervous.

I'm guessing you're flaring right now, right? Where is the pain located? I had really horrible abdominal pain when I first got UC, before I was on any meds. It was unbearable and I couldn't sleep because of it. But I was also having other symptoms, like bleeding, mucous, urgency, D, 25 BMs a day, etc. But the pain came before the rest of my symptoms became severe.

Hi..what meds are you taking at this time?

q

---

Hi. I've not really been in a flare lately. In fact, I thought I was in remission of sorts. I've been on Rowasa 1/night because I seemed to have minor flare-like symptoms 2 months ago. I suppose the GI got me to apply Rowasa for this long to make sure the inflammation was gone. The remainder of the meds are Asacol maintainence and probiotics. I've had such symptoms before, but usually after a bad meal or a glass of wine, but it's only lasted 1-2 days. This is a little unusual.

---

3x400mg Asacol, 3x daily

I'm not with it today it seems, just clarifying..you're still on the Rowasa nightly?

Are you eating a bit more than you did previously..or added something new which is continual over the past 3 weeks?

Next question..are you expecting your period?

I can relate to the gas pains. I was getting them a lot when I was eating yogurt...anything that's for supper or in the afternoon you're eating that could be a culprit?
Any artificial sweeteners?

It's good you called the doc, however..if you can't seem to put a finger on it, he should do a stool sample.

You could try digestive enzymes..does flora make one? Maybe worth a shot.

quincy

---

Hi Quincy, not really. I eat very little these days and it's been the same as what I have been eating before. No periods - I'm male. I'm still on Rowasa. I don't think I've made any changes and since the pain and gas started a couple of weeks ago, I've cut down on everything. Thing is, I get these pains all day. Also, the moment I change sleeping positions when I'm in bed, it acts up again. Almost like something inside is getting jostled.

Oh, sorry....I always thought you were female. Must remember that bit of info.

You could try to do the Rowasa every two nights...maybe it's now too much 5ASA? Some will get symptoms from a higher dosage.

Sooo, what do you eat daily? Maybe some changes since you're back at school..something you're not noticing?

q

---

Hi Quincy... I take lunch with me which is almost always a tortilla with hummus spread, like I've been doing for months. I have a boiled egg and either plain rice or protein shake each morning for breakfast and rice, steamed veggies and baked fish for supper. Bananas, apples, and an orange. Perhaps, my gut is just reacting out of sheer boredom?

---

3x400mg Asacol, 3x daily

Did you hear back from your doctor yet? When I had my abdominal pain, it also would hurt bad if I changed positions in bed (or anywhere). I got the pains all day, too. But I was also flaring, so I don't know. Sorry you're still feeling crappy!

---

23 years old
Diagnosed with UC March 2007
Current inflamation in the rectum
Asacol 4 tablets 3x/day

I haven't heard back from the GI yet. Usually, he calls back within a day. I'll have to call again today and leave a message.
Thanks all for the comforting messages. This is such a confusing disease.

---

3x400mg Asacol, 3x daily

i have had extreme abdominal pains for the last 8 months of this flare up. and i have the same problem in bed. i am mostly on my back for the night, but if i turn to my side, it hurts and i have to get up to go to the toilet every time. it is like your moving your insides and it doesnt like it. for 3 months i didnt even get out of bed and i never thought i would ever think "darn, its uncomfortable laying on your back all day in bed"... i dreaded to turn over but you just gotta do it sometimes and then, sure enough, straight to the toilet with bad cramps. my pain is all in the gut area. the whole thing. all day, everyday and worse at night. ??
i've been on endone (oxycontin) since march to help with the cramping. which causes even more cramping because it makes you constipated. being constipated with UC is not fun at all!!!
fyi, i was told to stay away from apples and bananas during flare up due to the fiber and effect it has on the colon. don't know if its valid, but you might want to cut those out from your diet and see what happens. ??