I find that applying aloe gel (preferably fresh, but if you have no plant, an organic gel with no more than a few ingredients is next in line-I like Badger brand) on the anus really helps with inflammation.  What is clustering?

Thank you for your reply. Can this be placed a bit internally too? The outside doesn’t lok or feel inflammed it’s just right on the inside barely

Clustering is where you feel like you have to go, you get some out but don’t feel empty and then a short time later you have to go again to get the rest out. And this may happen multiple times before finally empty.

So like right now because I’m trying so hard not to push or strain to make things worse, I get out a little but know I’m not empty. And then like 30-45 minutes later I’m having to go again to get the rest out. I’m not sure it’s exactly the definition as I’ve seen other people use it in the sense that they have to go every 5 minutes for like 20 minutes to get empty. But still, what I’m having to do is very unusual for me! Not to mention annoying and inconvenient lol although I realize it could be worse.

Hi...I am having a very similar problem and my doctor's nurse suggested I try a stool softener up to 3x a day. I take Colase and it has been very helpful since I no longer need to strain to empty my pouch and I feel like I am clearing it out completely. Maybe this would work for you.

Also, would you mind telling me which anti-depressive med caused such havoc with your pouch? I have been considering starting an SSRI but have been afraid to due to my current pouch issues.

Thanks.

Thanks for the suggestion! That might work really well once I can get this swelling down. I guess I always thought colace was for colons, never even considered!

Definitely don’t let my antidepressant experience change what you do. I am SUPER sensitive to meds and they always affect my gi, even before I ever had UC. For me if they have even a .0001% chance of gi side effects, I will get them ugh!

But I first tried lexapro (ssri) and it messed up my pouch a bit still after 6 weeks on it, so we switched to prsitiq (snri) to try a different class, and that one was sooo much worse for me. I couldn’t take it more than a week and now I’ve been off 2 weeks and still suffering. Next my doctor is going to try something that doesn’t effect serotonin, thinking this might be my issue. So she prescribed auvelity. Now waiting on pre approval from my insurance. If that one messes me up I’ll honestly just live with the anxiety and depression. I was doing better just dealing with that than dealing with that and these pouch issues, which make me more anxious and depressed than I already was!

Hope you find what’s right for you. Most people don’t have as much trouble as me.

@Cb2009 posted:

Thank you for your reply. Can this be placed a bit internally too? The outside doesn’t lok or feel inflammed it’s just right on the inside barely

Clustering is where you feel like you have to go, you get some out but don’t feel empty and then a short time later you have to go again to get the rest out. And this may happen multiple times before finally empty.

So like right now because I’m trying so hard not to push or strain to make things worse, I get out a little but know I’m not empty. And then like 30-45 minutes later I’m having to go again to get the rest out. I’m not sure it’s exactly the definition as I’ve seen other people use it in the sense that they have to go every 5 minutes for like 20 minutes to get empty. But still, what I’m having to do is very unusual for me! Not to mention annoying and inconvenient lol although I realize it could be worse.

Yes, I have definitely put the aloe up my bum a little ways, because sometimes the swelling is more on the inside.  It reduces inflammation and decreases the healing time for me. 

I have had the clustering thing before, but isn't as often since I started taking psyllium, the universal poop regulator.  I take a heaping teaspoon in 4 oz water.  I add the water into a small jar, then the psyllium (fine ground & organic is best for me),  put on the lid and shake vigorously, then drink it right away, like within 15 seconds, then fill the jar again, shake, and drink any that was leftover in the jar.  That way the psyllium doesn't get thick, which makes it difficult to swallow quickly and is kind of gaggy.  The psyllium seems to create a more complete bowel movement, mixed with the meal.  It also coats everything with a nice mucous layer and protects the tissue upon exit.  But sometimes even with the psyllium I have those cluster types of things.  It usually resolves with breakfast which is psyllium first and then oatmeal, which together creates a firm and complete stool most of the time.  Nothing works all the time, though.

Thank you! I went out and got an aloe Vera plant, will see how this does.

Once I get the swelling down I need to try the psyllium husk. I see everyone saying this is good. Would love to empty quicker and more thoroughly in general, even when not inflammed!

The psyllium generally improves the consistency of what is coming out and actually decreases irritation because the poops are more smooth and are less frequent.  If you were going to take it when there is still a bit of inflammation happening, I would drink lots of water, and I bet it can have a positive effect on the inflammation/irritation as well.  Also with the aloe, I would start with just as small amount just in case you happen to be allergic.  It's not common, but everyone is different!

I really hope this helps you!  Please let us know your results!