6 months post op - gas issues ruining my life.

If you need a fiber supplement, you might try Citrucel instead of Metamucil, since Metamucil is known to increase gas for some people. I was one of those, and just could not take it.

The reason you are more prone to bacterial overgrowth without a colon is because there is nothing to prevent "backwash" between your ileal reservoir and the rest of your small bowel. When bad acting bacteria (or yeast) build up in the pouch, it can continue up stream. The colon has a valve between it and the small intestine, the ileocecal valve. It operates in a similar fashion as the valve between your stomach and esophagus. Attempts at trying to preserve this sphincter have never been successful with total colectomy.

This is why there is so much focus on reducing carbohydrates to a minimum if you suffer from bacterial overgrowth or excess gas. Gas is produced by bacerial action on undigested carbs.

It does not mean your pouch is a failure, at least not yet. But, this is less of an issue for ileostomates because the stool is not held back in a reservoir. It can still be a problem though.

Jan

I will try Citrucel.

I do not have urgency and can hold my poop for some time. If it wasnt for the excessive gas I think the number of bowel movements would be a lot less. I have not blood in my poop....but the butt burn seems to be recurring every two weeks.

how long does it take for the J-pouch to function properly? I had a 1 step surgery..could that be a reason? If it were not for the gas I would be a lot happy with my J-pouch. How much time more should I give before thinking of a permanent illeostomy?

Regards

Some people say taking probiotics helps with gas. Have you tried any? My surgeon told me it can take up to a year for your pouch to adjust. We will always have some level of "extra" gas now...just goes with the territory but if you could just get a handle on the level of gas a little better, I think you'll be fine. Diet may play a big role with you. I know too many carbs makes me much more gassy.