Can anyone explain what causes anal itching while having a bowl movement? I just recently started having this happen at pretty much every bathroom visit and I'm trying to figure out why... I'm 4 1/2 weeks post takedown and this has been going on for only the last 3-4 days
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Most likely it's enzymes from food.
Sue
Sue
If it is a new symptom, it could be just anal irritiation from something you ate or just the frequency just finally having an effect. It could also be a fungal infection, but you'd think the itching would be more constant.
Jan
Jan
Jan, is this a symptom if pouchitis? Because I have noticed more urgency and increased loose stools (regardless of what I eat)... The only thing I'm lacking symptom wise is the bloody stool...
Bloody stools is not a typical symptom of pouchitis.
It could be pouchitis, but you were specifically asking about itching. This early in the game, it is difficult to tell, since pouchitis type symptoms are typical as part of the adaptation process. Your pouch is not used to being a reservoir. So, it is just a matter of degree. Also, we all go through periods where everything seems wonky without rhyme or reason. This is also part of the learning curve, not to panic if you have a few days of weirdness. There could have been something in your food that didn't agree with you without you being aware of it. It could even be a minor virus. Any little thing can set things off.
The main thing is that if you have persistent symptoms that either worsen or do not improve in a week or two, then call your doctor.
Jan
It could be pouchitis, but you were specifically asking about itching. This early in the game, it is difficult to tell, since pouchitis type symptoms are typical as part of the adaptation process. Your pouch is not used to being a reservoir. So, it is just a matter of degree. Also, we all go through periods where everything seems wonky without rhyme or reason. This is also part of the learning curve, not to panic if you have a few days of weirdness. There could have been something in your food that didn't agree with you without you being aware of it. It could even be a minor virus. Any little thing can set things off.
The main thing is that if you have persistent symptoms that either worsen or do not improve in a week or two, then call your doctor.
Jan
Itchiness is not a typical symptom of pouchitis. I recall having itchiness a lot right after takedown and not really ever since, despite many years of chronic pouchitis. I never had any bleeding with the pouchitis either.
Hemorrhoids can be itchy.
Certain food in the beginning caused me more irritation and itching... like granola or too many nuts or popcorn. Made things like sand paper, coming out.
I've had intense itching at times ever since shortly after take down in February, 2000. I've tried to determine which types of foods cause it but have never reliably been able to determine. I believe it's due to some type of microorganism that develops in my pouch that I've developed an allergy to. Recently I've found that wiping with a Kandoo flushable cleansing wipe after using regular toilet paper has greatly reduced the frequency of these episodes and the intensity when they do occur. I've tried several other brands of cleansing wipes and some work somewhat but Kandoo seem to work the best. I think it may be due to the Aloe, Vitamin E, and hydrogenated castor oil they contain.
This works the best:
https://www.pranicura.com Also Cholestyramine for Oral Suspension USP Powder works well. Taken as needed for itching. The itching is created by the bile that is unabsorbed now that we don't have a colon. Also I think sweets bring on anal itching as well. Hope this works for you...it does for me.