So sorry, I feel like I'm constantly asking questions about every pain, but could this be normal stretching of the pouch or a possible abcess? Last week I had horrible stabbing pains in the area where my pouch was created and I blamed it on my menstrual cycle which went away after about 3 days. Now I feel this hard "tugging/kinking" sensation that lasts a couple seconds and then I feel almost like I have to clench my rectum. This happens about 20 times a day.

I'm going next week for a barium enema to make sure there are no leaks, would this show an abcess as well? My surgeon told me my rectum was still inflamed when they perfomed the 2nd step and I wonder if I could have an abcess now.

Any help would be so appreciated.

could it be "Sphincter spasms"??? i had sudden horrible pains in the rectal area that would last for a few days and then go away..nothing really helped. it was sort of like a charlie horse- i felt like everything tensed up and clenched and wouldnt relax.....my doctor says it is common, from going to the bathroom lots...especially with any straining.
as far as a barium enema goes...i think it would show leaks probably......i had one to look for a possible fistula before......unfortunately, my fistula was small or something cuz it didn't show up on that test..only later on an mri.

If a leak is suspected, gastrografin is preferred over barium. Also, a double contrast CT is a better way to image a suspected abscess. If there was a leak that is very tiny or has since healed, a barium enema would not show it.

Jan

Thanks for the replies, I was going to wait until Wednesday and just tell my surgeon what's been going on, but now I think I will call his nurse just to give her a heads up so that another test could be performed the same day if needed.