Constipation after Colonoscopy and Gastroscopy

[tennisforums]

Okay, so I have Ulcerative Colitis. Since my colonoscopy and gastroscopy almost a week ago, my digestive system hasn't functioned properly and I feel constipated. Is this common following the procedure?

[Ms_Makita]

Hi! I had colonscopy in May ,and had constipation to after procedure luckily they said it was just ibs causing my pain.At one point they thought it was colitis,from what dr explained to me constipation may develop during active flare -ups of ulcerative colitis, because the inflamed rectum triggers a reflex response in the colon that causes it to retain the stool,and its also common to have painful urge for bowel movement and cant ,even if  the rectum is empty,this is called Tenesmus.Keep up on fiber,fluids,and being active helps alot.Good luck to you and Happy Holidays!
                          Steph

[tennisforums]

Okay it's been getting worse. I have had maybe three unsubstantial movements in the past 10 days and I feel mild discomfort, chest pain and rapid heartbeats especially after eating. I can almost feel the blockage and it is getting to be annoying.

Have gained about 3kgs in this time after barely eating a thing, so I feel like I could be completely blocked up. In fact, I have a very slight build and I would go as far as to say that the bloating is physically visible.

Should I be worried about Toxic Mega Colon or a bowel obstruction?

[Shebah]

Hey Tennis,

I have been looking to see how things went. So sorry to hear that you have been diagnosed with UC.

Constapation is just as "normal" as diarreah with UC. You might experience periods of both, or any combination of the two.

With 3 small movements in 10 days I will be the first to belive the symptoms you are having. I think you should call your GI and talk to him about it.

The problems could be from your meds. What meds did they put you on?

You can also try avoiding bananas and rice, and eat proactive yoghurt or any yoghurt with probiotics. If you dont like yoghurt you can buy probiotics in any health store. It will help regulate your bowels.

I don't think you need to worry about toxic megacolon. Try to read as much as you can, and find out what kind of food you can tolerate. I found that small portions of non fatty foods are the best for me. I eat alot of eggs, pork, fish and so on. I try to limit the bread I eat and I stay away from white bread all together.

Fruit and vegetables are very good. I tolerate all of them, so I am lucky in that sense.

Hope things work out for you, and if you need support this is a great forum for UC: http://www.healingwell.com/community/default.aspx?f=38

Hope you feel better soon!

[Dinvaut]

I, like others on this site have not had a bowel movement for three days since the colonscopy. Does the colonoscopy cause constipation?  If not, what could be causing the constipation?  What ended up happening to you?
I hope everything turned out O.K.
Dinvaut

[jukar]

I had a colonoscopy several years ago and have had a constipation problem ever since.  I mentioned it to my primary care physician and she just says drink more fluids.   The only way that I can have a bowel movement is if I take a Colon Cleanser (vitamin store) each day.

[VicLyn1965]

My colonoscopy was in April of 2006.  I, too, have had a constipation problem ever since.  I, too, have discussed this to my primary physician (AND, anyone else who would listen).  I haven't tried the Colon Cleanser yet.  I resort to laxatives, but often become immune, so have to stay off for a day or two, but always come back to.  The more fiber I eat, the more laxatives I take, just aggravates the situation.  The bloating feels like if I were to scrape up against a sharp object will explode.  I often would look 9 months pregnant.  Recently have started an over the counter product suggested by OBGYN called Align, and also stopped eating yogurt (for digestive health), and the bloating ??somewhat?? better, but still resorting to laxatives.  What results, good or bad, do you get with the Colon Cleanser?  Same as laxatives?