okay, so you all got the story, my daughter had her colon removed Feb. 26 and a j pouch created with the extra complications of a severed ureter and cut vagina, but seems to be on the road to recovery. She's get tired easily, I know that's normal so I'm not concerned, but the thing that is concerning me is her tush seems to be uncomfortable a lot, whether it's itchy or just uncomfortable. Is this normal and how long should it last?

Have her try some Ilex.

she's used all the creams, but it's not butt burn, it's uncomforable on the inside.

The internal discomfort will gradually improve with time. The entire pelvic area is sort of shocked and easily sent into spasms. She can also see what she can do to thicken the stool so that she has less stool frequency. This usually helps the most. Also, fiber supplements can thicken and reduce the irritation. But be aware that some folks are sensitive to psyllium and it gives them gas and increased frequency. If that happens, switch to Citrucel or apple pectin. Imodium and/or lomotil usually help, and narcotics in more extreme situations.

Check out the dietary guidelines and avoid foods that may contribute to anal irritation.
http://www.j-pouch.org/diet.html

Jan

Diet certainly plays a role but in the beginning it just happens. It gets better.
The best thing to do is get in the tub and soak. It will calm her bottom. I used to put a glove on and put some A&D ointment on my finger and slide it up in there. You have to be extremely careful, and considering your daughter's situation I don't know if that is advisable. If you try it, be extra gentle Could also ask for some of the lidocaine ointment and do the same thing with it.

She could have a yeast/fungal or bacterial skin infection making the area irritated. Mike

Check out Matt Frillmans posting on Dermawheat. Worth a try?

For the first month following my colon removal, I could not get comfortable at night. This was especially true if I laid on my back. It was miserable.

It gradually improved until I realized I had gone three nights with no discomfort, but it took quite a while.

For the inside, I seem to be an advocate of Gold Bond medicated anti-itch ointment. It's got menthol and a pain reliever both. Once you get past the initial shock of the menthol on the sore tissue inside, it really helps to make things tolerable. This has gotten me through a lot of months.

As for how long it lasts - it's different with everyone. I have just recently started noticing vast improvements in this area (I am 5 1/2 months out). But she is young and I would think she would heal and adjust faster.