Usually I associate a sweet smell to on coming pouchitis. Hopefully not the case but I would assume it for myself. Good luck.

Sweet-smelling stool can sometimes be a sign of C. diff. I hope that’s not the case for you.

Thanks for your thoughts. I do think it could be pouchitis because the last time I had a similar symptoms, my G.I. doc recommended  treatment for pouchitis, and the smell went away. Has anyone found a way to fight off pouchitis without taking antibiotics? I try not to take them, unless I really have to. I was probably last on them about a year ago. I actually am scheduled to meet a new G.I. doctor next week. I’m hoping that she will be a better fit and see what her thoughts are too.

If you do end up on antibiotics I’d recommend getting a C. diff test before starting them. The test tends to give false negative results when antibiotics are in the picture.

I have never had full blown pouchitis, though I do have inflammation in that area.  The things I have noticed that have kept my pouch the happiest are: not eating sugar or drinking alcohol, sticking with cooked veggies for the most part, taking powdered psyllium husk (1 teaspoon) mixed with water before each meal, regular and varied use of probiotics (in different forms, different brands, etc., including Visbiome/VSL#3, yogurt, other fermented items), oregano oil capsules 2x a day when there is inflammation (but not for longer than 10 days), and digestive enzymes after meals.  I also take a bunch of supplements because I think absorption is an issue.  They include D3 & calcium (doc recommended because of age & history), magnesium, folic acid & B12, vitamin C, and zinc.  I also take fish oil for the omega-3s.  I have a green tea latte every day in the form of matcha (green tea is supposed to be good for combating pouchitis) with turmeric tincture and collagen in it.  I think with the digestive enzymes, I might be able to start eating more fruit.  As with veggies, cooked fruit can be easier on the digestion.  I started working part time so that I could spend more time experimenting and paying attention to what's happening with my guts, what helps, what hurts, etc.  I'm still in experimentation mode and continuing to learn.  All these supplements and dietary restrictions are expensive and not very good for the social life.  I would be more annoyed by all that if I wasn't experiencing some increase in my gut health, which leads to increased overall health and happiness. 

Thanks for all your great advice!

Oh I also avoid wheat and dairy because I found them to be inflammatory.  Everyone is different as far as what works for them, and it feels like we all have to experiment about what works for ourselves.  I have gotten some great ideas for things to try off this site!