Okay J-pouch women, I'm coming to you humiliated and sooo lost as to what I should do about this completely embarrassing problem...
So, I had takedown in 05, adhesion surgery in March 06, and March 07 I welcomed my suprise bundle of joy, Grace via c-section. The C was totally messed up, and they ended up stitching my left kidney (ureter) closed and cutting my bladder by mistake. THen the meds they put me on (without my specialist's knowledge) caused my pouch to not empty for nearly 4 days, instead of my usual 10 times a day, which made it strecth super huge, and push right across my vagina. SInce then, I've seen my GI dude, my pouch still doesn't empty without 'digital stimulation', and he says my vaginal and rectal muscle tone is nearly absent. Annnd here's the horrifying part...I'm having air enter and then leave my vagina, with noise...and not just during sex. Like, during yoga, or even just bending in certain positions? I'm doing Kegels, but don't feel much of anything, or see improvement. Please any help would be soooo appreciated, I feel so alone and disgusted with myself in this

I feel for you. I have not had that problem. I think all us j-pouchers have had our share of embarressing and, forgive me, weird problems. In my experience of my various medical problems, I will first go to MY GI dude, but then after that go to a alternative medical doctor. For example, I have horrible gas. Horrible. Noisy. Painful. It was bad no matter what, when or if I ate. With no luck with the GI dude, I went to an acupuncturist. It was amazing. Relief didn't happen right away, since it took me a while to open up to it. It was a hour every two weeks of absolute relaxation and she helped me with my digestive issues. I still don't know if it was just learning how to relax or the actual needles, but I can tell you I feel so much better.
Sorry, that was long. I hope you are able to find relief. Take care. Good Luck!
Oh, and she also helped with my conception problem (for those who are reading this and trying to get pregnant) - we had been trying for almost 2 years with no luck (saw specialist, did ALL the tests, did ALL the charting of temp, time and um...mucus) after 2 months seeing the acupuncturist, we are expecting our first baby in June! Recommended reading - "Taking Charge of Your Fertility".

I think you need to see your colorectal surgeon and/or your OB/GYN (or a different one if you have no confidence in your first one), because vaginal air is often a sign of a rectovaginal fistula. Your GI doc may or may not be able to even find this, as they can be very difficult to diagnose. But, every one here who has had this diagnosis started out with vaginal gas. The complications from your c-section could have set this in motion.

Jan

Thanks so much for replying - its crazy how alone in the wierdness u get to feeling with this...its not like i have any friends who have the same issues! I will talk to my GI dude about the possibility of fistula. Oh and pretend colon - in what is a terrible coincidence, I haven't seen an acupuncturist, but it was recommended for other issues, but the dude to do it here in my small town is a naturopath, who I'm DATING! Can't really tell him the issue can i???
THanks so much to both of you for being there...there are some things that only we understand, u know?

Of course, this could be nothing serious...just the normal vaginal gas associated with intake and expulsion with activity, such as intercourse and some exercise. This is why it is important to pay attention to your symptoms and see if there might be a connection...

http://www.fascrs.org/displaycommon.cfm?an=1&subarticlenbr=121

Jan