@JoeJoe I hesitate to use the word “normal,” but you really are still getting used to this. Coordinating the different muscles without excessive straining takes practice. A couple of thing to try could include spending a bit longer on the toilet, to help work out the “am I really done?” question. I also found early on that a few minutes of walking around after a trip to the toilet would sometimes reveal more business to attend to. I learned not to be stubborn about going back to finish up. Others may have additional ideas for you to try.

Thank you.

Totally normal, I still have that almost 7 years later. As long I do not have pouchitis or any other problem, I am good with it

Thanks Lauren.

@JoeJoe posted:

Thanks Lauren.

Your welcome, I miss our private talks, glad you are doing well!

I'm 8 months out from takedown and if I eat properly then I will go 4 times a day .my energy is Up and feeling great .I am in pain sometimes but wouldn't go back to the bag.so sad to see others choose the bag over the jpouch.my uncle did that and he says that I have butt burn but I don't .he chose poorly.

What’s causing the pain chook? 4 times a day is a fantastic result I hope to achieve the same. Pouchagram soon for me. My issue atm is a lot of discharge from back passage, it’s annoying it feels like I really need to relieve myself but literally a few drops of discharge comes out. This happens several times a day.

Just gas pains.or waiting too long between toilet visits.you could try touching your toes or bendinding forward on the toilet or standing up and sitting back down.

Ah ok fair enough, peppermint tea helps with gas but you probably already know this. My pouch isn’t in action yet but hopefully will be in a couple of months

Don’t forget it is a “J” pouch no a straight out shoot.  One support group I was in recommended eliminating the initial contents then take a moment, stand up, bend forward at the waist slowly and gently, then sit back down on the commode to encourage the rest of the pouch to empty.  This REALLY works for me.

Thank you.

Thank you for posting this

It serves as a good reminder since I am constantly being faked out by the pouch as I clean up and apply barrier cream only to have to sit again a minute later .

if fact I just tried it, and low and behold a gas pocket came out.

good advice!

@GGP posted:

Ah ok fair enough, peppermint tea helps with gas but you probably already know this. My pouch isn’t in action yet but hopefully will be in a couple of months

It's a hard road for the first months but your body seems to adjust to the new plumbing but at the start it was not nice ,you and your body will adjust .

That’s it. Iv become prepared for a tough first 3 months I’m just praying there on after things improve to a liveable life. How many months are you into having a j pouch? Are you able to get on with daily things now? Work?

I'm 5 weeks in as far as having the j pouch. A lot of trial and error in re introducing food into the diet but it's going well for the most part.

I am 5 years out from takedown and probably average 5-8 times a day, depending on what I eat and whether I take Lomotil during the day.  I rarely get up at night to go.  I have occasional leakage, nothing big.  I went back to work part time about 6 weeks after surgery.  However, I was almost 61 at the time and also didn’t need to work full time.

I'm working 48hrs a week but if zi feel sick I take a day off. I've noticed I can work harder now but I also choose to take more days off.I read my body and mind more and take time off if I'm getting run down.