PsA & Bowel Trouble

nightswimmer

Sorry to have to delve into the yuckier side of life, but does anyone else have trouble with constipation/diahorrea. As previous discussed I work full time. I am finding it increasingly difficult to last 10 hours without having to use the loo :oops: and its embarassing as it doesn't smell of flowers!

I am finding I have to visit the toilet on 4/5 occasions every day! If anyone else has similar problems, can it be controlled?

All advice gratefully received.

stickywicket

If you're having to use the loo 4-5 times perday, nightswimmer, I presume it's your bowels that are the problem as I'd consider I'd got off lightly with only 4-5 wees per day :roll: And, if it's the bowels, I presume diarrhoea is the problem rather than constipation - unless it's the meds you take for constipation that are giving you diarrhoea.

I think many strong paindullers have the add-on effect of constipation - one reason why I try to keep them to a minimum. But, there are foods which help - for a start drink a lot of water or fruit juice, also dried figs, fresh fruit and veg, prunes or prune juice. All these things will have a gentler action than prescription meds though they have their place too and, if yours are not doing the job, why not ask for something else?

elnafinn

Hi Nightswimmer

I was having similar or worse problems than you probably about 2 years ago. I was referred to a gastro and had a colonoscopy and the result was that nothing was wrong, that I suffered from IBS and that I should perhaps try to steer clear of certain food for a time and have cornflakes/rice krispies for breakas. I was not diagnosed as a coeliac or gluten intolerant but perhaps for breakas this would suit me better. I was also put on amitriptyline which I started at 10mg and increased to 25 mg to take in the evening to slow my body down and he recommended I took it for one year. He said I was lucky as this seems to be solving my problem as it did not "work" for everyone (of course - no meds do, do they?). I have been off that med for many months now and do not really have to think about it now. I always have a pack of immodium or similar brand with me though .... just in case and do occasionally have to use it when I have a blip. :roll:

I still take non wheat cereals for breakfast but it was not long before I could eat anything wilst being on the amitript tablets and not be affected too much.

I read you mentioned that you had changed from metho pills to the injections. Are you perhaps taking any other med that may be causing
diarrhoea.

I really do sympathise - it is awful when one is suffering this way.
I hope you can get it sorted soon.

Elna x

nightswimmer

Again, many thanks guys.

Currently I'm only on IV MTX, no other meds. It is diahorrea that is blighting my life, so I do need to slow my system down.

I can identify with the IBS diagnosis, did this mean you suffered with bloating as well? I seem to bloat everytime I eat anything and then it gets painful and I need to go very soon afterwards.

This never used to be a problem and I have read that it maybe due to the arthritis, have you read or heard anything similar?

elnafinn

Hi Nightswimmer

Back problems can cause bowel problems, so I have been told by a back consultant.

The bloating feeling/diarrhoea can be due to a gluten intolerance.
Have you tried eliminating gluten from your diet? It appears to be very common these days. You can see the gp, discuss and have a blood test to see if you are suffering from eating gluten but it is not always that reliable.

When you are in discomfort soon after eating, have you had pasta, bread or other foods that contain gluten?

Elna x

dreamdaisy

Oh dear, nightswimmer (yup, I can hear Mr Stipe in the background) I think this is one for the GP or your rheumatologist. I am fortunate in that although I have PsA and am on a few meds for that (including injected meth) I don't have that kind of trouble. I do get 'blocked drains' if I over-indulge in the cocos but a couple of pints and a curry usually sorts that - or Docusate capsules from my GP if not. I think you should go and talk to someone about this as summat is obviously wrong and please let us know what they say. I wish you well. DD

elnafinn

If you have a feeling that it may be gluten in your diet causing the symptoms you are having, why not google Gluten Free Guerrillas community HealthUnlocked which is a great forum on this with lots of information and help.

Elna x

stickywicket

If you regularly have diarrhoea make sure you drink plenty of liquids to avoid dehydration.

tillytop

Hello Nightswimmer

I have RA rather than PsA but I can really identify with the "troubles" you are having and I have been in the situation often recently of having to take immodium every time I need to go out and having to make sure I know where all the available loos are on any journey. The GP tells me I shouldn't take immodium "just in case" but if you need to go out and know that you are likely to be caught short, what can you do? I also have the opposite problem sometimes which can cause horrible stomach pains.

Clearly you are having a real problem at the moment and I do think it is important to talk to your GP about it. He may suggest some dietary changes or he may refer you to a gastroenterologist for further investigations if he feels it is appropriate. Although you only take methotrexate at the moment, perhaps it is that causing the problem.

I would really encourage you to go to your GP sooner rather than later Nightswimmer rather than continuing to suffer in silence.

Thinking of you.

Tillyxxx

tkachev

I think it would be a good idea to talk to your GP so he/she can help you as it sounds like it impacts on your day-to-day living.

Elizabeth x