We all know that we shouldn't strain to go.
'Relax and let gravity do its thing.. if it's not ready, come back when it is.'

Meanwhile, back in the real world, you either have limited time, can't go every 20 minutes, or sometimes the 'pending' stuff may be stinging or uncomfortable on the inside (or is that just me?)

If I over strain, it causes fissures and then I have blood for the rest of the day and quite possibly for a few days after.

I suspect I may have 'cuffitis', but is anyone else able to successfully avoid straining?

Sometimes I feel I have to strain so hard I go a bit dizzy. Wrong, I know, but if I feel there's stuff there I want to get it out in one sitting.

When at work, I don't want to spend 30 mins in the restroom each time.

Any comment gratefully received. I'm a 2 year poucher.

For me it is what I eat that helps move things along. I never have to strain or push....just relax. I owe it to eating lots of fiber...oatmeal, fresh fruits and fresh veggies. Drinking enough water also helps. I like keeping my output liquidy. I still have full control and no urgency. I take nothing to slow me down or thicken me, except for foods which contain lots of fiber. An apple a day....skin and all.....keeps me very regular. Best wishes!

I have been straining from day one of recieving my jpouch.Its just been natural for me to strain for both peeing and pooing.Without me straining or letting gravity do its thing I`d be in the toilet all day,I`m serious nothing would come out if I didn`t strain like I`m having a baby.It hasn`t caused any problems for me both for the pouch or my rear so I just do what I have to do to get it out.It`s been this way for 5 years now.Good luck with your situation hope you get your answers soon.

Here it is Saturday Night June 21 2008, and I am feeling just like you! I was so desprate and frustrated, I was hoping there was a voice on this forum tonight! I not only have constipation, but I have dull pain for about 30 seconds every time it feels like a stool is entering into the pouch? Has anyone ever had this pain?

I always strain to. Just like you if I feel it in there it has to come out. At home I can sit on the pot for as long as I need to, but who can do that at work. I personally have to avoid fiber. It thickens me up too much and causes me to have a lot of gas which is painful. Whether it is thick or liquidy I have to strain. I just try to strain as little as possible and breath while I do it. I heard that helps. I did have a hernia operation 3 years ago and I know it was from the straining and weak stomach muscles. I told the surgeon I can't go without straining so he inserted the mesh in the layers of the muscle and the mesh covers my whole torso to prevent future problems.

Glen, I too have trouble emptying my pouch but found that a bidet usually helps me to achieve this with a significant degree of success. I kind of shoot a little warm water up "there" while sitting on the soothing bidet I had installed and it frequently gets things going for me. When its not available, I use a shower pic for the same purpose. THe pressure and sensation of water helps me significantly but there are times when even these are to no avail. At such times I either take a course of cipro which does not constipate me but rather seems to regulatle things or go on a liquid diet for a few days (I use protein Boost in addition to clear and other liquids.) Have you been seen or been scoped by your surgeon (or GI) recently? Perhaps you have a stricture??? Hattie

Why hasn't anyone (but me) with these "can't empty" problems ever mentioned good ole prunes.

I eat stewed prunes every morning (at least five) with my oatmeal. And I drink prune juice around noon and later. I also carry some dried prunes in my purse in case I'm away and can't get to my stewed prunes. Without prunes, I'll get constipated and then a blockage starts.

I also eat other fruits and veggies and drink lots of water.

Any one for some prunes?

Peggy,
I have tried prune juice, this does work for a while. I miss not having the formed 6-8 BMs per day that I had when I first began my pouch one year ago.

I only have read one other person on this thread that also has this dull pain I have when it appears that stool or gas is entering into the pouch. This sensation only last about 30 seconds?

I am having a colonoscopy this july 7th, so I guess the surgeon can see whats up then.