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What Causes Constipation When Diagnosed With Ulcerative Colitis?

Posted on Tue, 13 Dec 2016

Question: I recently had a colonoscopy and the doctor who had not talked to me after this procedure said I had ulcerative colitis...which I thought of diarrhea...which I do not have...I have constipation...am I wrong thinking this?

Answered by Dr. Ralf Von Seckendorff (2 hours later)

Brief Answer:
Ulcerative Colitis usually with diarrhea

Detailed Answer:
Dear patient yes that would be unsual, since UC usually goes with diarrhea.

Can you attach the colonoskopy report then i may say more, best regards

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Prasad

Follow up: Dr. Ralf Von Seckendorff (45 hours later)

I don't know how to attach the colonoscopy report...can I fax it to you...what is your opinion of the prescribed treatment by my doctor....XIFAXIN?

Answered by Dr. Ralf Von Seckendorff (15 hours later)

Brief Answer:
Please write summary of report

Detailed Answer:
Dear Patient,

you may scan or fotogtaph Report ant attach it here. If not possibe:

please write the summary at the end of the report in this Chat.

Xifaxin is an antibiotic, which i don't find conclusive for Colitis ulcerosa treatment.

I can say more once report is here,

best regards

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Veerisetty Shyamkumar

Follow up: Dr. Ralf Von Seckendorff (8 hours later)

"Good Report...Diverticulosis...ascending colon polyps (in which no cancer was found)...and (segmental) ulcerative colitis"...I never had any sign of blood or dark stools...constipation is my problem. Is this any help? I'm an old lady not too smart on the computer!! Thank you so much for your interest and help...Should I be taking this drug? It is very expensive and I have received help but will I have to take it long term?

Answered by Dr. Ralf Von Seckendorff (1 hour later)

Brief Answer:
Indikation for xifaxim not conclusive

Detailed Answer:
Dear patient,

if you have no bloody stools or diarrhea you do not need to worry. I still do not see why your doc perscribed the xifaxin, since the report does not indicate bacterial infection.

With which of your problems did it help you? Usually antibiotic treatment is temproary, 1-2 weeks

Best regards

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Raju A.T

Follow up: Dr. Ralf Von Seckendorff (7 hours later)

I have taken it more than 2 weeks. My doctor has referred me to the Patient Assistance Program at Salix Pharmaceuticals..seems to me they think I will be on this for a while...can that harm me? I was very sick the Sunday before my colonoscopy..thought it was my appendix but on the wrong side...cramping..but that passed after the test....still cramp a little at night but I think it may be constipation problems...and I am under a lot of stress which I feel can make me sick....I know it is hard for you to advise me under these circumstances...I appreciate your help...

Answered by Dr. Ralf Von Seckendorff (10 hours later)

Brief Answer:
Please aks your doc for indication of medication

Detailed Answer:
Dear patient,

to me it is still not clear why your doc has put you on this antibiotic for more than 2 weeks from your reports.

So best is to check back with him for explanation,

best regards

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Yogesh D

Follow up: Dr. Ralf Von Seckendorff (3 hours later)

Thank you for your help...it has eased my doubts a lot...I have not talked to my doctor since the colonoscopy...only his nurse. I will try to get an answer to the question...I am thinking I will stop stressing over this and stop taking the medicine. You seem to be a very fine doctor! God bless you!

Answered by Dr. Ralf Von Seckendorff (42 hours later)

Brief Answer:
Thank you and wishing you good health

Detailed Answer:
Dear Patient,

thank you and wishing you good health. Feel free to get back to me once you have gotten an explanantion from your doc,

best regards

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Nagamani Ng

Follow up: Dr. Ralf Von Seckendorff (8 hours later)

I am worried about an approach to the doctor asking him why he prescribed the Xifaxin...he may not appreciate my lack of faith in his judgement...and I may need him in 5 more years for my next colonoscopy. Am I making a mountain out of a molehill?

Answered by Dr. Ralf Von Seckendorff (16 hours later)

Brief Answer:
Informed patient is important

Detailed Answer:
It is important that you as a patient know why your medication is perscribed. Just ask him nicely and explain that you did not understand why this was perscribed,

best regards

Note: For further follow up on digestive issues share your reports here and Click here.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar