How long are you holding it now? Are you on a stretching schedule? Mine was really bad the first week I started to hold it through the night. I was also put on Bentyl and it helped a great deal with the movement, pain, gas, etc. It gets better. I think mine was about 3 months post op it was easier but do not suffer, always talk to your doctor about things to take in the process.

I'm up to 3 to 3 1/2 hours, then I have to empty, because I can't stand the cramps and it even makes my lower back hurt. But as soon as I empty, it's just pure relief!! So I guess I'll just hang in there and try to wait as long as I can between emptying. Thanks for replying!! grandma64

Oh I know how it is! My issue was gas. I had horrific gas straight out of surgery so they thought I had pouchitis. I tried gasx and all that over the counter stuff and nothing helped. Every week I had to add an hour to holding and it was awful if I was cramping or had gas but I tried to hold out since I wanted my pouch to stretch. Bentyl helped a lot, not sure if you are in the US but that could be an option for you. Another one is Levison (sp). Call your doctor though for sure! I had to call mine every week to check in and report.

Thanks for the info! Yes I live in Indiana. I to have bad gas, when I empty 1/2 of it is gas. I'll call my dr. and see what he says, I appreciate your reply, beings I'm new to this. grandma64

The pouch stretching is the hardest part of the kp surgery. It will continue until pouch is mature.

Even a mature pouch can get cramps but they will not last as long as in the early weeks. I still have severe cramps if I've waited too long - but once I interbate, it's all good.

Thanks for replying Janice! Is there a estimated time for the pouch to be fully matured? Just wondering? grandma64

I am not sure on your surgeon's schedule - I'd check with them. And, it depends on if you take the stretching more slowly. It's 6 - 12 wks or more.