My 3-stage surgeries finished in 2014 and then I became the proud owner of a functioning J-Pouch. Prior to this, my diagnosis was UC.
Up until about a year ago, everything seemed fine. Then I started to get abdominal distension every so often. Although there was no pain as such, the bloating caused me to feel extremely uncomfortable and fatigued. I had no bloody stools, or increased frequency of bowel movements. I started to increase my water intake and this did have a positive impact. I did contact the surgeon who carried out the surgery, via social media, and explained what was occuring and whether it could be pouchitis. He felt that it probably was not and that it may be food related. At that time, I had begun taking VSL#3. I asked whether taking treatment for pouchitis would cause any probs, if i just wanted to try it. He said that it wouldn't , apart from the normal side effects, but he doubted whether it would work. To explain: my surgeries were carried out in the UK, but I now live in Spain. My med insurance doesn't cover me for pre-existing conditions, hence my quest to try and find a solution! I've also read about cuffitis and Irritable Pouch Syndrome, but from what I've read, I don't clearly match most of the symptoms. I am currently taking one satchet of VSL#3 (branded as Vivimixx in the EU). Maybe it isn't enough, but I'm loathe to increase it (due to cost) unless there's a reasonable chance of it having a positive impact. Yes, I know: won't know 'til I try!
Generally, I'm quite fit and healthy (64 yo male) and weight train around 4 times each week, but struggle to maintain or gain weight post surgeries.
Stuff I take:
Vitamin D3
Vitamin K
Vitamin B12
Omega 3
COQ10
Creatine
NOW digestive enzymes before any substantial meal.
If anyone could offer any advice or info, in respect of the bloating, I'll be very appreciative.
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I have been bloated for about 11 years straight. I just accept to be honest since I cannot change it. Do you think the bloating is something you can live with too?
Since this is a relatively new symptom for you, it might be because of something you changed (e.g. are any of those supplements things you added or increased before this symptom developed?). Unfortunately it can also be a new reaction to something that used to be fine. Another possibility is that you might be getting mild partial obstructions.
I’ve been bloating a lot lately too. It seems to deflate when I am able to pass gas for a bit when laying down/ relaxing & get a good nights sleep solid 6-7 straight hours. Sometimes I think it’s stress induced, I think I hold my breath, I need to breath & other times I think it’s sit-ups when I workout…or a slight blockage from olives, lettuce sesame seeds corn chips broccoli (roughage) I’m not quite sure the cause but I understand the uncomfortable bloat. There’s something called SIBO, gut bacteria overgrowth as well not sure if that applies here. Hope you feel better soon!
Hi friends.
Nice to see my fellow J pouch people here. I have had a few bouts with very painful trapped gas. I had my surgeries in December 2003 and may 2004. I get gas and bloating but lately its been more difficult. I had an 8 day stint in the hospital recently from a blockage and it was a very painful experience. I don’t know if COVID had anything to do with this but the staff was very rude and impersonal from day one. It’s been hard at times but a couple things help with the day to day dealings of this condition. The best thing I did was to plan my food around my life and just eat less. I stopped trying to eat raw vegetables and things that might get stuck on the way through and also bought a bidet. It made my life exponentially better and easier to manage. Right now I feel horrible gas and bloat from something I ate but I don’t remember what it could be so if anyone has a remedy to help move whatever it is on and out I would really appreciate it. Hang in there friends. All posts are so helpful 😊
@Kelli I agree about eating sensibley, food monitoring -being conscientious about food types & timing of food. I’m not always practicing a good clean sensible diet for me consistently and I think that affects my feel good, then, don’t feel good issues/ gas bloat issues. For example I might eat to much when I’m stressed & anxious & pick corn chips & snacky foods then I feel that causes my personal digestive issues when I eat a lot at one time family & friends gatherings etc, I woke up this morning to no bloat but haven’t eaten since yesterday late afternoon. I was trying to “rest” the pouch. I always drink plenty of water. I use GasX instead of Imodium for example as the Imodium caused trapped gas & trapped BMs for me. I rather the soft liquid stool as I ended up in the ER on vacation w/ a painful blockage from Imodium in the early years following takedown as doc told me to use Imodium but it’s trial & error unfortunately. When I eat well/ sensible foods I find for breakfast chobani plain Greek yogurt in a smoothie with 1/2 banana & frozen 1/2 cup of blueberries, squirt of honey really helps me through the morning. I wish I had a direct answer. I feel like the jpouch is almost like when people get that lap band surgery…they have to eat smaller portions to pass through the digestive tract. I can’t really eat snacks like cheese & crackers or chips & salsa type food - a small sensible meal is better for me (half of a sandwich ) & I give the food time to absorb & pass until I eat again. I’m not sure if anyone else does this but if I eat a little roasted a broccoli I’ll eat a 1/2 cup of mashed potatoes with the broccoli as the transporter to carry it through the jpouch (creates a formed stool) as the roasted broccoli alone can cause emptying issues.
Sorry for not responding sooner im in hospital. Ct scan revealed partial blockage above j pouch. Not feeling great. Had 2 enemas and carefully inserte rectal tube which relieved pressure and a little of blockage. Surgery has been mentioned if i dont pass more of the fecal matter something in desperately trying to avoid. Had nasal tube fitted yesterday - a truly horrible experience. Suppose feeling a bit sorry for myself . That's life I suppose.
I’m so sorry- sending positive vibes & healing vibes your way. Please feel better.
@GS posted:Sorry for not responding sooner im in hospital. Ct scan revealed partial blockage above j pouch. Not feeling great. Had 2 enemas and carefully inserte rectal tube which relieved pressure and a little of blockage. Surgery has been mentioned if i dont pass more of the fecal matter something in desperately trying to avoid. Had nasal tube fitted yesterday - a truly horrible experience. Suppose feeling a bit sorry for myself . That's life I suppose.
I am sorry honey, I hope everything gets better, I will keep you in my prayers.