I've been experiencing mild to moderate stomach pain for the past five days. It feels like gas pain, but I'm not passing much gas. I'm not passing much of anything else, either. Most of my bowel movements have been liquid. I'm wondering, is it pouchitis? Is it from tapering prednisone too quickly? Two weeks ago I had a really nasty allergic reaction to poison ivy with large weeping blisters. My GP gave me a course of prednisone which I tapered down from 60 mg to zero in 7 days. That didn't help, so five days later he gave me another round of prednisone, and I tapered from 60 mg to zero in five days. The last dose of 10 mg was a week ago Friday (9/21). The cramps started on Wednesday (9/26). I was also physically active last weekend, moving heavy furniture. Any ideas?

Thanks!

Is it possible that you have a partial obstruction? I would check with your GI doc and if the pain continues and nothing much is coming out, go in and get some x-rays.

I hope all is well.

I just remembered that I had a bagel with poppy seeds last Wednesday, and the cramps started shortly after that. I just called my doctor and I'm waiting for him to call me when he gets out of surgery. Could poppy seeds be the culprit? They're so tiny (and tasty!)

My understanding is that poppy seeds and sesame seeds and several others actually blow up once inside like pasta in water.
Yes, they could be the culprit. Drink lots of clear liquids, don't eat until the partial blockage clears.
With the other issues you have had though you are right to call the doc.

Thanks, Holly. I just had oatmeal and a banana for breakfast half an hour ago, but I won't eat until I hear from my doctor and see what he says. I had no idea that poppy seeds would swell like that. It's amazing what I learn from this wonderful site.

Poppy seeds and sesame seeds do not swell, they pass through the system looking exactly as they did when they went in!

Sue

Well......ok. It's now Tuesday 10/2, I'm feeling better. Dr. suggested milk of magnesia to help things along. It did, cramps are nearly gone, but stools are still liquid. Now I'm thinking that I've been overly stressed the past couple weeks. I'm doing the same type of worrying that triggered my UC flareups. I was constantly clenching my abdomen muscles. I'm still feeling tired & achy all over, so maybe it's a stomach bug. Whatever it is, I'm feeling somewhat better and hope that time will take care of it, along with some relaxation exercises.