Well. This is very frustrating. I took a long road trip this summer across the country. Here I am 3000 miles from my HMO and doctors and I have been struck with a massive pouchitis flareup. Pain, cramps, bloating, gas, trouble going to the bathroom, and internal pain. All of the symptoms we know and love. It gets worse. Last time I suffered with pouchitis I used Cipro and it did a good job of clearing things up quickly. My doctor's nurse is really nice and she sent a scrip to a pharmacy nearby. This time after a week things are as bad as ever. I called the doc again, and I am hoping they can come up with another med to try. And, I really hope to get this thing cleared up so I can continue my road tripping. Difficult. Moreso, since I cannot go in for a doctor's visit. I am hoping we can figure out meds from long distance and get this thing fixed, or atleast mitigated.

Any ideas out there?

I'd get a prescription for both Flagyl and Cipro and for two to four weeks for each, rather than the usual 7-10 days. You can try the Flagyl by itself and if it does not work in a couple of days, add the Cipro.

Good luck.

Jan

Patrick, My input is you need to try a different drug because obviously Cipro isn't working. I think the next drug of choice would be Flagyl, I have been down the same road (though closer to home than you) and Flagyl worked wonders when Cipro failed (I felt better after the first dose). Though Flagyl does come with a warning, DEFINATELY no alcohol, not that it looks like a drink is in your near future. Also good for you travelling on a roadtrip, it must be a great experience, wish I had done it . Good Luck, Scott Mc

This message has been edited. Last edited by: mrpickles,

Hey Patrick! Where exactly are you? Just curious because I'm in Maryland, which should be about 3000 miles away from CA. I have a second loop ileo right now and have some Flagyl that I'm not using. Not that I ever recommend taking medication that's not yours, but sometimes desperate times call for desperate measures. If you're nearby and can't get ahold of your doc and wanted to give it a whirl to see if it helps, just let me know.

Good Luck! I hope you find relief soon!

Erin

Flagyl is what I mentioned when I talked to the nurse. The only thing that worries me about that, is the fact that last time when I used Flagyl it didn't work, but Cipro worked great. Maybe, the bacteria is backwards this time!

Yup, mommywithUC, I am visiting Philadelphia, which is kind of close to Maryland! Good detective skills! Thanks for the offer! I am going to hope I can get meds from my Doctor! Fingers crossed.

My favorite way for avoiding the pain from pouchitis is to eat very little. Which isn't the best solution, but it does work. Feeling a little less pained today - ent to and enjoyed a movie tonight, which caused me to miss the call from the Nurse! Hopefully, I will be able to get a hold of her tomorrow and figure out what is happening next.

Roadtrip has been fun! I hope I can clear this up before heading back west, I imagine roadtripping won't be great feeling like THIS. Crossing my fingers, hardcore.

thanks for the tips! Let's hope for some flagyl tomorrow!

patrick

I'd still ask for both Flagyl and Cipro so you can combine them if necessary. I am just trying to think of ideas so you don't have to play phone tag with the doctor/nurse the rest of your trip.

Often times each drug separately do not work, when a combination does.

Jan

Thanks Jan!

I got the scrip from the doctor today. Flagyl, and something else for cramping. I have been taking the cipro for a week with no results. Do you think I should take both? Or just the flagyl?

thanks!

patrick

I would take the flagyl first and see how it works. Hopefully it will heal things up! Then in a few days to a week try to other anti cramping medication. What medicine is it?

My thought is that if you take both at the same time you will never know if it was the flagyl or the other medicine that worked?

I would get going on the Flagyl right away and take the other medication as necessary. It probably is an antispasmotic, such as Bentyl or Levsin, and would not interfere with the action of the antibiotic. If you were talking about taking the Cipro with the Flagyl, I would hold off on the Cipro unless you were not getting any results with the Flagyl. 2-3 days should be long enough to tell.

Jan

Well. After taking the flagyl and clidinium for a day the cramps seem to be much better. But, my bottom still hurts. I guess from spasming? Man. I hope this ends soon. It takes time. That flagyl will work.

Thanks for your tips, Jan.

patrick

Well. I THINK things are getting better, although, I still feel a bit off. And, sometimes I am still feeling the strong urge to go that is almost painful. But, no blood, and not as much pain as before.

But, a couple of times I have gone to the bathroom and had a heavy load to put out (Sorry to be so gross) and really had to PUSH to get it out. Is that an awful thing to do? I tried standing up, tried pushing in my belly. But, nothing worked and I had to push push it out and out it came and it felt good to empty. But, is it dangerous to push to get all that out?

What does everyone think?

patrick

A little pushing is fine, and as much as you want from the outside. But, if you are really straining, yes it can be dangerous. It can cause a prolapse of your pouch (you basically can poop out your pouch partially). Increase your fluids and maybe add some fiber.

Jan

oh my gosh. Prolapse is a scary word. Would I know if I had prolapse?

I thought fiber would be dangerous because of obstructions. is it safer when it comes in the form of things like metamucil?

You are a fount of information!

patrick

Unless you are prone to obstructions, fiber supplements are fine, and so is dietary fiber (both insoluble and soluble). Fiber is good because it gives your stool bulk and form without making it too solid. If your diet does not have fiber, the stool tends to be watery or too pasty and difficult to pass.

And, you'd know if you developed a prolapse because you'd feel your pouch bulging out your anus. It is not an all or nothing thing, and usually will start with minor bulging that retracts when you relax.

Jan

Patrick, A common and great side effect of Flagl is better formed stools, but can lead to constipation. I am not sure why but Flagyl slows and thickens the stools a lot but for you it is a good sign it is working. As Jan said take some fiber sups or start eating more natural fiber like fruits and veggies. Like I said before and will again, we are so used to having liquid like stools the change to being better can be scary. Take the Flagyl, eat your veggies and be happy you are taking the right antibiotic for your symptoms. Good Luck, Scott Mc

P.S. Boston is a great place to visit especially in fall, feel free to come and visit. Welcome to the east coast.