Many people see pouch function change with menstrual cycles. Sorry to say, just another fun part of being female. It may get better over time; your body is still adjusting to post surgery functions.

Yay for being a girl lol. I feel inflammation, pain etc... Lucky us, I hope this dissipates with each cycle to eventually no effects. Thanks for commenting.

Actually, diarrhea with menstruation is pretty common in the general public, colon or not. They believe it is due to the prostaglandin production at that time. The same thing that causes the cramping. The production of this hormone varies from person to person, and can change even within the same person. Hopefully, this is not a permanent change for you and will settle down with time. If not, you can increase your dose of Imodium or lomotil during menses to help control it.

NSAIDs like Motrin block prostaglandins, but some people with IBD can't tolerate it. If you are one of the lucky ones that do tolerate it, it is safe for short term use.

Jan

Thank you Jan and I really enjoy reading your posts and answers. I had a jp drain twice, one on my lower left abdomen and then tgeother on my right, both for long periods... Week's. All of last night and today I have experienced sharp pain in those areas, mainly my left scar!!? I am associating this with starting my menstrual cycl, as I haven't had this pain. Thanks again.

My period was miserable once I had the pouch - especially at first. It did get better. Then I hit menopause and, thankfully, don't have to deal with that any more

yeah, sorry, it just kinda sucks now :-( mine were bad before my pouch and are just awful now. sadly no improvement in my almost 3 years with the pouch. definitely, if you can tolerate the ibuprofin, it's the only thing that saves me. i need to up the immodium for a few days too (usually 2 days prior to it starting and then a day after it starts). hopefully it gets better for you!

It took 5 months before your period came? I'm 5 weeks post take-down, and I have been concerned since my period is 2 weeks late. My doctor did tell me it could take a few weeks before it comes, but I didn't expect it could take months. From the sounds of it, it looks like I have can look forward to much worse periods...At least now I'm prepared. Thanks for all the information ladies!!

It did take 5 months, it was nice, but I have been in a flare up now for a month since starting. Not sure if my period is the cause but not looking forward to this becoming a norm.

My GI said the 5 months was not concerning because of all that my body had been through.

Good luck and find as much relief if you can.
I experienced heavy bleeding
More than usual bloating
Sharp pains in the abdominal area
Headaches
Inflammation flare up
Very tired

Good luck and find thubgs

Thanks lovedby2!