Brigitte,

if you are suffering this is not normal.

While time is needed, 18 months is more than enough time for things to settle down.

have you had a pouchoscopy to rule out any mechanical issues or pouchiti/cuffititis, etc?

I had my first at  5 months because my GI system was so messed up.

if this GI can’t or won’t help find an GI who is experienced with pouchers.   Another option is your surgeon who could also perform a pouchoscopy.

This isn’t normal. What happens to you if you eat more than that, or eat something you’re not tolerating well?

If I eat more I get a lot of upper abdomen pressure pain, feel sick nauseous.  If I eat something that makes my output to dense, I get severe bloating pressure pain and then it’s an extreme struggle to get it out off me with lots of straining and a bit of blood.  

Yes I had a pouchoscopy but it’s been a while 10 months ago

May I inquire as to the results of the scoping?

Also, i experience some bloating if I eat “too much”.  it’s hard to define but an example would be more than 4 ozs of steak. My pouch will be fill up very quickly and the BM is not pleasant. Other times I will have cramps until I release a watery BM. These are exceptions for me and since I eat only 2x per day and do not snack I seem to maintain a good QOL.

others have found success by eating several small meals per day. Everyone is different so only you know your body. But from what you are describing it does not seem right and I would consult with a more experienced GI doctor.

It seems like there are two separate things going on. The upper abdomen pressure and nausea probably has nothing to do with the J-pouch. It could be IBS, or perhaps something like gastritis.

The difficulty emptying the pouch (with “dense” stool) sounds pouch-related, and for this I’d try adding psyllium (Metamucil) a couple of times per day and drinking more water. A J-poucher will generally have some trouble emptying if the stool becomes too firm.

It took me 2 years to feel like I was back to a "new" normal. But some of your symptoms (as Scott said) may be unrelated and need attention from a doctor.