An enema could help. Are you sure you don't have a fissure from the straining? I am not exactly sure where your burning pain is, but if it is inside he anal canal and at its wrst during a bowel movement, then it definitely would be consistent with a fissure. Topical anesthetics and sitz baths could help in that case.

The other issue s to determine hy you are having repeating episodes of constipation. While it is normal for stool consistency to vary some, it is not normal to get so constiated that you get backed up and have to strain. If you usually take bowel slowers, you may neec to dial them back, to find the "happy medium," where you are slowed enough to function, but not somuch that you get repeated obstructions.

Jan

I drink a regular dose of grape juice in the morning to make sure things move along as I want them to throughout the day. Sometimes, depending on how many bowel slowers I take during the day, I'll drink a bit more at night too. This has been my best solution to keep things moving even when taking bowel slowers.

Steve

Trying to find the happy medium is the hardest part. Or maybe it is something I eat. I try and only eat chicken. Burgers and steaks really kill my insides. I have always had the urge to "push" when I go through these episodes sometimes. I hate that feeling of pushing and only a very small amount comes out. I think it is something I ate. But what I hate is the back pain. It doesn't really hurt inside my anus. Just burn and pain more on the outside. But the pain on my back and anus and down my legs are just terrible. Just hate when I have days like these.

I like the idea of grape juice. I think I will try that.

I just wonder if anyone else has issues of trying to find a happy medium with medicine and sometimes end up with episodes of pain all day and night?

Thanks for your all your help!!!

My gastroenterologist recommended Metamucil for situations like yours. He calls it a "regulator". If you're constipated, it softens and bulks up the stool making it easy to pass. If you have diarrhea, it bulks up and solidifies the stool, also making it easier to pass. It works for me and I just happen to like the taste of the sugarless orange flavored Metamucil powder mixed in about 6 ounces of ice cold water. I stand over the sink. Stir and swallow. Repeat until finished. I feel like an early astronaut drinking "Tang"!

I second the Metamucil suggestion. I've learned to chug it - I don't hate it but might as well get it over with.

I do take the pills but did realize it works that way and was scared to take it thinking it would back me up more.

Have either one of tried the pills instead of the powder? Do you think the pill would work the same way for me, right now?

Such great information.

Thanks,

The best are the Metamucil wafer cookies, or their equivalent. These have more than just psyllium and seem to work really well when eaten with your meal.

The powder and pills create a "clump" of fiber that pushes through your system. Try the wafers - I eat one with each meal and it really helps.

Also, the feeling like you have to go and only getting a little out at a time could be a symptom of pouchitis. Have you investigated that at all?

Steve

I am on Cipro for pouchitis. I did have a scope done October 9th and I go back November 17th to the GI dr. but was able to somewhat read my results and I think from what I read it is all good. So I have no idea if I have pouchitis still or not. Sure feels like it and nothing is working. Today is a day from hell just like yesterday. Many tears today. Some days I just don't want to go on, but I get on here and see some hope and know I am not alone. Some days I am ready to go back to the bag. If only God would answer that question for me. This pouch to me is not easy and neither is the bag. That is what my surgeon told me. She said, neither one is easy or the best answer. But it has to be done to remove all my pre cancer cells. My little bit of rectum showed NO dysplasia. So that is good. Thanks for letting me vent. I do appreciate it very much.

I find the powder works fine. The capsules didn't do a good job for me.

If I take the Metamucil pills, I have to puncture them in several places first, or it passes right through with the gel soft but intact and the Metamucil still securely inside.