I have recently had my worst flare up of pouchitis in 6 years - the first time since then that I have had to go back on the Metronidazole(flagyl) to sort it out. It coincides with a huge build up of stress in the workplace over the last half year and I'm wondering if there is any connection. I ask this because althoughthe metro cleared up the symptoms 10 days ago, I am back at work, the stress is back and this morning I had the worst pains since before I started treatment...

Anyone know if there is a connection between stress and pouchitis please?

I definitely notice a connection between stress and how my bowels are doing, including my j-pouch. Every person needs to figure out their own triggers, connections, etc. and it sounds like you've found one. If changing your work situation isn't possible, perhaps you'll consider getting extra rest and exercise, eating very carefully, and doing some meditation or other mindfulness activities. Health psychologists can help with lifestyle changes and coping skills. The main thing I try to remember (not always successfully!) is that I may not be able to control what is going on at work, etc., but I can control my response to it.

Best of luck as you sort this out.

Yes indeed. I had similar issues with stress and pouchitis. Balancing multiple deadlines at a time always induced pouchitis. I discussed the issues with my supervisor and HR - applied for medical leave under the Family Medical Leave Act (FMLA) for those severe episodes when when I needed recovery time off work. I was fortunate - I had a sympathetic supervisor with his own health issues.

Setting good boundaries was key; also working with my supervisor to balance the workload. Yoga, exercise, meditation, proper diet, and deep breathing all helped.

Do you have something like FMLA available in Scotland? We are guaranteed 12 weeks of medical leave every 12 months for medical issues. It's not paid leave, but very useful during these bouts.

I hope you find a workable solution.