Hi Grace!

While many people do have high frequency post takedown, not everyone experiences this. There really are no "norms" with the j-pouch transition period. You might be one of the lucky minority who start off going less than 10 times a day. Your frequency may even be reduced further than what you are experienced now, which would be a bonus!

As for how you're feeling, it's still very early post takedown and your body is still getting used to the new sensations and new role that the pouch is playing. That being said, if you truly feel like you are constipated or having trouble emptying, you may want to speak to your doctor, not to mention lay off the bulking agents and the foods that a bunging you up right now, and quit the imodium if you are using it. You may also want to up your fluid intake, perhaps even sip grape or prune juice as this can help things move a little more easily. However, you also don't want to induce the opposite effect (diarrhea) by changing things up too much, so be very careful what you tinker with.

All in all though, it really sounds like you are doing well. Hopefully things continue to get better for you!

GraceL,

You will see many posts on here that this is a long road to recovery. Some are shorter than others but I think if you drink plenty of fluids while eating and afterwards it will help. Also there are dietary suggestions on this site that are helpful. If you are having trouble going then lay off the immodium or whatever you are taking for a short time and see if that helps. I find that the gas really makes me feel worse than anything. I had issues for a long time so it took me a lot longer than others to feel "normal" again. You should feel lucky that this early on you are going so little but I know that discomfort of gas is not a great feeling. You will have many ups/downs but there is a great support group here so glad to see you are taking advantage of it. Best of luck!

PSJ

Thanks for your replies spooky and spj I was never prescribed immodium so it just reduced by itself I've completely cut out bread and pastas and have actually started eating more fruit than I used to with the bag this seems to help. I always drink water effort and after I eat an drink over 2 litres a day. I don't drink any caffine. I'm seeing my surgeon on Tuesday for a follow up appointment I'm hoping maybe I'm just over reacting!!! Today was the first day I woke up and didnt feel really bloated and full. I actually wanted breakfast where as other days I didn't want any. I did have a semi blockage in Monday which thankfully corrected itself was after that that I cut out bread and pasta. Would it be ok to try salads?just a little. I'm afraid of it going the other way but would like things to e a little easier when going. I usually find than when I go I could do more but if I were to do more I'd have to strain!!! This is with me waiting a couple of hours after getting the need to go to the toilet.

You can try any food you like, in moderation. I'd suggest paying attention to the results, of course, and keeping in mind that things will change over time. Good luck!

While it's true that you can try adding foods in moderation, if you have been having issues with blockages or partial blockages from bread and pasta, then I maybe wouldn't try salads just yet, at least until you see your surgeon Tuesday. Salads introduce a lot of roughage, which can cause issues if you already prone to them, which you seem to be. That said, baby spinach in small amounts might be ok to start (I eat a lot of it these days), but at least with me, lettuce comes out looking more or less the same as it did going in. It doesn't really break down, even if I chew very well. So maybe err on the side of caution for the time being, at least until you've discussed your concerns with the surgeon.

Thanks again everyone ok so today I decided to try a bit of fruit had couple squares of melon few slices of apple and a tiny bit of mango have not gone anymore than what I usually go but didnt have to strain and still had semi formed output for the first time actually feel as if my pouch is properly empty. Also I managed today to blood on for ages when my pouch felt really full and when I did go I properly emptied got off the toilet feeling as if I didn't need to do more this happened every time I went. One happy poucher today with no cramps

Hi Grace,

I had my pouch created over 20 years ago and there were no sites like this and I didn't know anyone else with a J-pouch back then. It was a lot of trial and error for me and it took a long time to figure out what I could and could not eat.

I joined this site a few years ago and I found out there is a Dietary Guidline section. Even after all these years I have found it helpful. I didn't realize it was on here for a while and you mgiht have missed it like I did. Here is the link:

https://www.j-pouch.org/diet.html

All the j-pouchers on here are great also and a wealth of information and help.

Good Luck, KangaRoe

Hey Grace,

I had my takedown about 3 weeks back and I am having the same issues as you. At times I have trouble emptying the pouch and I can't figure out whether it is because I am constipated or it will just take time for me to get used emptying the pouch. I am not really eating any veggies or fruits yet because my surgeon had asked me to stay off them until my follow up appointment (which is this Monday). I did have a partial blockage right after my takedown which lasted a good 5 days so I am also paranoid about introducing veggies and fruits too early. However, what has helped me is having apple juice with each meal. I feel that eased up things a bit. After Monday, I will try some fruits like you did. Maybe that will help me!

Hey UC warrior my surgeon just told me to eat a balanced diet and to eat normally. I've always needed fruit and veg even with the bag so that why I tried some it wasn't loads just a couple of pieces each and well chewed. I went out and got some apple juice so hopefully it works too other than the difficulties how do you find having the pouch? I still find it strange not having the bag!! Sometimes I think I'm having a leak and obviously I'm not for me I can but jeans trousers and skirts on again couldn't with the bag as it hurt my stomach. Used to think I was lucky I was female so could wear dresses. I have to say even with the initial dont knows I would have the pouch any day over the loop stoma I had more leaks in the space of 2 months than I did a full year with the end stoma!!! Strange I know but I actually feel colder now too but then I live in ireland where 1 good day is followed by a week of really winter type weather.

Hey kabgaroe thanks for the link I did miss it good to see a long time poucher that's always a good sign.

I quite like having the jpouch. I am still getting used to it and dealing with some issues like feeling that I haven't emptied the pouch entirely and butt burn so it reminds me of my UC days a bit. But, I keep telling myself to be patient and realize that it is not even 3 weeks since takedown (it will be 3 weeks tomorrow!!). I also blame a bit of my dissatisfaction to the wonderful time I had with the ileostomy. I only had a loop ileostomy and the three months with it were pretty good. Never really had a leak and towards the end I could actually get through the whole work day without needing to empty the bag and sleep through the night without needing to get up to empty it. But, all throughout I knew it was temporary and that's why I didn't mind having it. I think and hope that in the long run I would prefer the jpouch. I am waking up two or three times at night to go to the bathroom nowadays but the thing I love the most these days is being able to sleep on my sides and in whichever position I like. I no longer need to worry that I will crush the bag or it will start leaking!! I see my surgeon today...I hope he gives me the go ahead to eat more fruits and veggies. I've never been a fan of veggies, but I miss not being able to eat fruits. I love watermelon and with UC I had to give it up. Can't wait for the summer to get here and eat lots of watermelon again

How are you feeling now? Has it gotten better??

I never needed Immodium or Lomotil, though I did go more (and more liquidy) in the beginning. It's been 22 years, and I tend to be thicker these days. But I eat a pretty normal diet. Over the years though, I used to eat all of them but had to cut these out recently: popcorn, nuts, mushrooms, and quinoa almost KILLED me couldn't get it out!) lol. But. I did develop narrowing, so maybe that's to blame for a lot of it.

Oh, and I honeymooned 15 years ago in Ireland. Your country is lovely. We landed in Dublin and drove N7 across and stayed on the Dingle peninsula. Would love to go back!