Hi everyone. I just had my takedown 5 days ago. I'm home from the hospital and am going nuts. After a bowel movement I keep straining because I feel like there is more to come out but nothing comes. I have the feeling like I have to go constantly. Is this a normal thing after takedown or do I possibly have pouchitis or cuffitis? Please let me know if anyone when the through this. Thanks.
Becky
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No it's not normal.
I experienced the very same; felt like I'd not completely emptied and had the weird sensation of wanting to push, like there was something up there.
I eventually discovered that during my takedown surgery; what remains of the anal canal was dilated and such a procedure created tiny cracks/tears in the skin, commonly known as fissures.
Which, I guess, is similar to a paper cut and during a bowel movement, the bile acid passing over a fissure is equivlent of lemon juice in a paper cut..... and excruciating !
I manage to relieve my pain and discomfort by applying a small amount of ilex paste, just to the inside of the anus.
Becky, you haven't mentioned pain, so I'm thinking anal fissures don't sound so likely. On day 5 it's hard to be sure of anything. Please don't strain if you can possibly help it, and know that it takes a while to adapt to your new plumbing. Gently experiment its what seems to work (and discover what doesn't). Good luck!
