Hello Everyone-

I'm having pouchitis symptoms again and thought I'd turn to you all--the experts once again.

Here's the deal: I am going to the bathroom more, feeling more urgency, and having loose stools. I'm not say, going double more, but definately feel the urge more than usual. I also have this weird feeling that I have the flu. I have feel a bit feverish, have body aches.

How long is one to wait before concluding they may have pouchitis and call the doctor? Where do the flu symtoms come from?

Also, another question: I always feel so bad for some reason to "bother" my surgeon. I've had him for 10 years and he's awesome, but sometimes I wonder if I call him too quickly. I guess my question is: Do most of you have a gastroenterologist or just go straight to the surgeon when having issues? I havent had a gastro since having my surgey. Who does one turn to for these types of weird symptoms?

Thanks for all your time-

It's pretty much of a judgment call. Sometimes you really can't tell if it is the flu or pouchitis. You can get fatigue and malaise with both, although they should be worse with the flu. Plus, fever is not a typical symptom of pouchitis, but it is seen. I just recently got over the flu. I had a low grade fever (100-101.6) for about 5 days. In addition to the typical flu symptoms, I also had increased output and urgency. If it weren't for the chills and fever, I probably would have assumed it was pouchitis.

Even if you had a flu shot this year, it could still be the flu. This year's flu shot wound up being only about 40% effective. The sure sign will be if other members of your household get it- then you'll know it is not pouchitis.

I pretty much have a standing order for Flagyl that I can renew as needed, so I don't need to be calling my doc every time. I haven't seen my surgeon since about a year post op, when he did my incisional hernia repair. My GI takes care of medical management. Realistically, pouchitis is not a surgical issue. But some surgeons want their patients to follow up with them indefinitely. I would ask your surgeon what he wants you to do. You definitely should not feel guilty about seeking follow up care.

Sorry for the vague response, but the "when to call" question is difficult to answer. Generally, I would not let it go longer than a week before assuming it is pouchitis and getting some treatment, less if your symptoms are serious or escalating.

Jan

Thanks, Jan.

I'll give it a few more days. I'm not feeling feverish so much anymore...just that body achy and more urgency/output. I'll see what happens in a few days.

I guess I should just straight up ask my doctor if he wants me to keep contacting him or to find a gastro. It's just so hard to cut the cord sometimes:-) I guess I just am always in fear of another obstruction.

Again, thank you for the advice and support!

So, I'm still have mild symptoms and no flu like anything.

Watery stools, more urgency, a little pain right before needing to go, decreased appetite.

I have no blood and am not running to the bathroom every five minutes, but something is up. But now, based on the previous post in the forum, I'm a little freaked out about going on Cipro and Flagl again...last thing I need is a neuropathy!

Can pouchitis work itself out or do I need to call the doctor?

Usually pouchitis needs treatment. I suppose you can try using probiotics and/or PeptoBismol. If it is mild, they might be effective.

Jan

Thanks, Jan.

I'm hanging on tight. Despite the uncomfort, I'm going to try to surf this one out.

Thanks for the support-