I have had my pouch for 11 years. It has given me lots of trouble but since Monday something new has erupted. I get sudden, very painful cramping and then get the sudden urge to go. This can happen 5 or 6 times in a row for a couple of hours. As a rule, I take 4 Lomotil every day at about noon but I realized that if I take it when the cramping begins (starts in the morning), it gets much better. The effects of the pills however, are only lasting a few hours and then I need to take another four since the cramping gets really bad again. What could be going on after all these years? I also am having a difficult time evacuating thoroughly and am really having to strain since this cramping began.

Has a partial obstruction been ruled out? Anal stricture? These things can develop long after surgery, but anal stricture is less likely (unless you have a past history of it).

Of course, pouchitis is a possibility too.

Jan

Jan, Could a partial obstruction take care of itself?? Unfortunately my GI does not see many J-pouches so I don't even feel comfortable going to see him. The last dr I saw was Fazio and Shen but of course that was a one time deal. I really feel that this board offers more advice than you could get anywhere but if this goes on much longer, I will need to seek out some answers.

Yes, partial obstructions can come and go, linger for weeks, and just be a general pain. They are treated basically on the severity of symptoms. I suppose you should also see your OB/GYN and rule out ovarian or uterine causes before jumping to the conclusion it is something benign. The main thing is that if the pain is significant and persistent, somebody needs to take a look. Even if your GI is not well versed in pouches, he can take a look and confirm or rule out pouchitis.

Jan