I'm at a loss right now. Pouchitis is flaring even on ABs. With all the inflammation emptying the pouch is not only difficult but painful too. I did oatmeal for breakfast, followed by a boost shake and yogurt for lunch and boost shake for dinner. By the time the oatmeal started making its way out frequency was up, bleeding, nausea, ... the works. So apparently binding foods are out but then soups and too much liquid burns on the way out.

I think I could really make do the entire day with just a little food in my stomach in the morning and the protein shakes and gatorade the rest of the way.

Advice please????

Tiki,

Can you try the brat diet, rice, toast, bananas, saltines. When my colitis was at it's worst, cooked boiled chicken, boiled potatoes and cooked carrots always seemed to help me (rice too) and even farina. I am sorry you are feeling so miserable. Maybe you need to rotate the antibiotic at this point also. I know it is tempting not to eat, but I think this sometimes makes the pouch worse, but I totally sympathize with you with the pain and burn. I never feel like eating either when I am in that much discomfort.

Tiki, would it possibly help to throw some Lomotil in the mix? I had returning symptoms while on my two antiobiotics and started Lomotil three times a day, which slowed things down enough for my inflammation to settle a little. I know how discouraging this can be and I hope you find relief soon.

I think I personally fare better with a little solid food in me rather than being empty. Perhaps little bites during the day in addition to your oatmeal/yogurt/boost shakes would be worth trying: a bite or 2 of chicken (this is why rotesserie (sp?) chicken exists, in my book!), toast, a bite or 2 of mashed potatoes, a poached egg, etc.

Is tomorrow your appt. with Shen? Please let us know what you learn - good luck with it.

NancyAnn,
Leave for Cleveland a week from today. Hope to have more answers and solutions soon.

Wishing you the very best luck at the Cleveland Clinic!

Wishing you the best. Please report back your findings. I hope they can help you there so you can save your pouch if that is what you decide to do.