@Big DH posted:

Just an update...I learned today that my pouchoscopy last week showed narrowing of the "anastomosis"...where the small intestine is attached to what's left of the rectum. This partially explains the many, many BMs...taking multiple bathroom trips to complete a BM. They performed an office visit "dilation" of the anastomosis to relieve this narrowing. An additional dilation is scheduled in about a month to ensure the anastomosis is not continuing to narrow. The narrowing makes it more difficult to complete a BM...did not expect this but thankful doctors know what to do.

I am soo happy you are at peace Maybe your bowel movements will decrease now

I thought I had the same thing you had but I do not at all. My pouch was normal. My multiple bms are just because lol. 

Big DH...wow...I hope your BM frequency goes way down after the dialations are complete...keep us posted on your progress...

Lauren O Ec.... if i am to be a 9%er I will stay positive and know I have a team here with open arms....

@Ryan138 posted:

Big DH...wow...I hope your BM frequency goes way down after the dialations are complete...keep us posted on your progress...

Lauren O Ec.... if i am to be a 9%er I will stay positive and know I have a team here with open arms....

The 9% community would be happy to have you and you are so right, our arms are wide open! Sending lots of light your way! 

Thanks to all for your thoughts...the office dilation was not comfortable...the next dilation in late October will be with a local anesthesia. There is some blood which I was told was to be expected... everyone's J-Pouch journey is little different as we all know and read from this forum...thanks again to all for your personal stories! We are are unique group we are.

@Big DH posted:

Thanks to all for your thoughts...the office dilation was not comfortable...the next dilation in late October will be with a local anesthesia. There is some blood which I was told was to be expected... everyone's J-Pouch journey is little different as we all know and read from this forum...thanks again to all for your personal stories! We are are unique group we are.

Yeah and one big family lol. 

Hello everyone!

Been awhile since I posted anything. It's now 9 months since my take-down procedure and I'm doing better! The anal pain that I had for so long has gradually gotten better. A regiment of 2 loperamide a day (breakfast and dinner) has slowed bowel activity and, I believe, assisted in the absorption of irritants minimizing anal pain that has been so uncomfortable. And a gradual increase in the size of the j-pouch has provided more time between bowel activity...though I still have a lot to learn here. For one thing...patience! Patience as it takes a little more time to empty the pouch than having a colon!!! When I was told that my colon needed to me removed I had no idea all that would be involved with the option (j-pouch). The j-pouch surgery itself must have been very successful as I've not had any issues other than a bout or two of pouchitis and the seemingly endless adjustment to a new normal! So I thank God for the skill of the surgeons! But I am doing better, less anal discomfort, more time between bowel activity (provided I'm patient to ensure I am really done!), and some optimism that my wife and I can travel without too much preoccupation with my situation.

@Big DH posted:

Hello everyone!

Been awhile since I posted anything. It's now 9 months since my take-down procedure and I'm doing better! The anal pain that I had for so long has gradually gotten better. A regiment of 2 loperamide a day (breakfast and dinner) has slowed bowel activity and, I believe, assisted in the absorption of irritants minimizing anal pain that has been so uncomfortable. And a gradual increase in the size of the j-pouch has provided more time between bowel activity...though I still have a lot to learn here. For one thing...patience! Patience as it takes a little more time to empty the pouch than having a colon!!! When I was told that my colon needed to me removed I had no idea all that would be involved with the option (j-pouch). The j-pouch surgery itself must have been very successful as I've not had any issues other than a bout or two of pouchitis and the seemingly endless adjustment to a new normal! So I thank God for the skill of the surgeons! But I am doing better, less anal discomfort, more time between bowel activity (provided I'm patient to ensure I am really done!), and some optimism that my wife and I can travel without too much preoccupation with my situation.

So happy you are at peace