constipation help after infliximab
hi all.
I’ve just started infliximab to treat my perianal Crohn’s. Basically my rectum/anus is where the disease site is. I’ve done two infusions of infliximab so far. After the first dose, I was feeling great and using the bathroom once a day. Now, I am extremely constipated and in a lot of pain. I haven’t gone to the bathroom in about a week.
This part might be tmi so I’m sorry but i really need help. Currently my stool is too hard to pass through my anus and I really need to use the bathroom but I cannot. It just feels like a bunch of stool is gathered right behind my asshole but nothing will come out because of my rectal stricture.
I’ve only ever struggled with diarrhoea and never constipation with my crohns so this is all new to me.
Does anyone have any advice? Has anyone experienced this kind of thing before?
I have been slowly increasing my fibre levels, taking laxatives and stool softeners, drinking warm drinks, and taking walks to try and get my stool to move. Which I feel like they work, but then the stool just gets stuck before it comes out. It’s extremely painful.
I have tried to email and call my IBD care team but they have not responded. I have no idea what to do and I’m in so much pain. If anyone has any advice, please let me know. I am at a loss and just waiting for my care team to answer.
I’m in the UK if anyone recommends any over the counter meds I can purchase as well.
Thank you all.