Hi Richard.

Sounds normal to me. I was like that in the beginning. You say you don't have butt burn, but you are getting itching so maybe you do have a bit of irritation in the anal canal. that can give you the feeling of not emptying.

I found it very helpful to clean with a  bidet and also apply some cream (calmoseptine/ilex) slightly inside the anus

also I like to take my time on the toilet as I have quite a large pouch and I think it takes me a few waves of emptying to get everything out. best not to force it so I play a game on my phone for 5-10 mins, relax and eventually its all out.

also a coffee a day helps me flush out the pouch and im not sure if I need it or not but 1 immodium before bed seems to reduce any acidity in the output

I have a big appetite, if I was more discipline with my eating I would probably go 5-6 time a day too. I find waiting in between meals is better than eating small meals throughout the day

also I highly recommend using clinell continence wipes instead of toilet paper, circumstances permitting of course

I am happy you're doing great sofar.

I as you, struggle to empty, my pouch is very well designed, so that you don't have urgency and continence problems (and is quite large and containing), but the problem is that I developed some hemorroid because of straining to empty, as in my case is not a sensation, but really, when you are almost emptied, it misses the "push" from the weight above to out the remaining.

I think that you could find beneficial the psyllium fiber (aka Metamucil); I advise you to try it, starting cautiously (half dosage first days) and see what happens!

Perhaps it will help even to lower your bathroom trips.

I had a stricture form about 4 weeks post takedown. It was difficult to empty and just generally uncomfortable. If you are really struggling to empty all the way it may be worth calling your surgeon and inquiring.  I felt so much better after the stricture was dilated. As far as the itching goes, I am 5 years into this and I still have days where the itch is bad. I use Calmospetine ointment and it takes the itch away instantly. I can't live without the stuff.....it's awesome.

it might be worth a trip to visit your surgeon. During my first two years of post op, my surgeon found that the opening between by jpouch and and small intestine was too small/narrow. He had his nurse give me self dilators and I had to work my way up to the one they wanted me to be at over a long course of time. It is defiently worth doing it because it helps the opening so you can have an easier time emptying. 

Also, if your getting itchy a small amount of desitin may help. It's really think and made for babies but when I was sick in the hospital with UC one of my nurses recommended it to me. Its messy but works well. Aquaphor sometimes helps too and it's not as thick.