could be cuffitis. I can tell if I feel like my rectum is going to fall out of me and if I feel a burning like I did with my uc. The only way you will know is if your doc takes a peek. you could have a fissure. Don't push. Pushing means you are not hydrated or you are thinkening too much. Are you hydrated enough? 2 liters a day is suggested. If you are having a problem trying to empty you might have a stricture. But call your doc if pain continues.

Unfortunately, I find myself dehydrated all the time..it's difficult drinking enough water everyday because I get bored of the taste, but I still try to portion it out throughout the day.

Thankfully, today the pain stopped, or at least it lessened a lot from what it was before. I'm not sure what happened..but I still have the nausea and diarrhea.

I was diagnosed with UC when I was 11 years old and I can't remember what it felt like having it, even though it became a big part of my life, the irony, so I can't say I would know what cuffitis feels like. I haven't seen a doctor since I finished with all my operations because I felt fine for a while, up until 2 years ago when I started straining to use the bathroom, which comes and goes (which I believe is a stricter). I've made appointments with GI doctors, but they are unsure of my issues..it's like I'm speaking to them in a different language. I've made an appointment with a surgeon (as the one that made my previous surgeries has retired) and they cancelled on me twice, and they're always booked so I can't get in until months later. :/

Since I'm currently out of the country, I'm going to search for a doctor around my area here. Can you tell me how cuffitis is diagnosed and what kinds of medications I would expect to be prescribed if I did have it?

They would need to just put a procto scope or do a scope. Very simple. You would be given canasa. I would suggest getting vitalyte (any flavor) and ceralyte (plain flavor). The better hydrated you are the better your pouch will do long term.

J-Pouch experienced GI's and other doctors can diagnose cuffitis digitally. The cuff is right past the sphincter muscles. When it is inflamed it feels like a ridge where the j-pouch is connected to the rectal cuff.

You could try to see if you can feel it yourself. I've had to use so many suppositories it doesn't bother me as it's just in an inch or so. You might feel better using a glove. If I'd never had it before I wouldn't be confident I could tell without a doctor's examination.

I also agree with NJK about hydrating drinks. I use NUUN dissolving tablets in my own water. They gave me gatorade while in the hospital so it's better than nothing. It has a lot of food coloring and sugar so isn't the best to use all the time. Also eating salty food helps fight dehydration.