Hello all, On 10/25 I had most of my rectum removed and a j-pouch created to for rectal cancer. I am 35/m and just started FOLFOX chemo (just completed my first round, it was hell.) I have a loop ileostomy until my reversal can be done after chemo.
Since the surgery I have had almost no issues except I CONSTANTLY feel like I need to take a traditional bowel movement. I can occasionally pass a tiny bit of mucus or a micro-stool but most of the time nothing comes out, but the sensation never goes away. Oxycodone left over from the surgery mixed with Imodium is the only thing that seems to really help. I have tried warm epsom salt baths, works great while I am in the bath, but 30 mins later it seems to come right back. Warm packs temp help too.
I also have difficulty fully emptying my bladder when urinating and feeling like something I am having a traditional bowel movement at the same time. It helps if I sit, then stand back up. The surgeon ordered a lower abdomen CAT scan which I am having done soon but this issue keeps dragging on. Their first exam they couldn't find anything wrong.
This is driving me nuts, I can not think about anything else while having this nagging sensation that something is stuck in there and won't come out!
My main question is if anyone has had this issue, if micro-enemas or anal irrigation helps? I am also very unsure of the process of anal irrigation, etc and also want to know if that is safe with a newer j-pouch. Someone on another forum said low dose Valium helped them. I am not finding too many people with this issue. Thank you all for your help.
