Fiber is a great suggestion. Have you been taking any Imodium? I was on a pretty consistent regime of that for the first 6ish months and then slowly started to get off of it.

Hi delwicki,

Yes, I did take Imodium twice a day for 12 days. I thought I can only take for at most 2 weeks. Thanks for the info, and will resume that.

Most surgeons recommend that you gradually train yourself to hold stool longer. You should be gentle on yourself, looking for progress over weeks and even months. Kegels can help, but patience is important, too. I’ve been using psyllium fiber and Lomotil (like Imodium) every day since my surgery 22 years ago. I find the Lomotil most useful at bedtime.

If you don’t have a bidet I’d suggest that you find one within your budget.

Hi Scott,

Thanks for the reply. It is great to know that is safe for taking anti diarrhea medicine for such a long term.

I think I should get a bidet. Thanks for the suggestion.

I also take Imodium; 3x/day. Breakfast, dinner and  bedtime. Without it, I would have no QOL.

i had my ttakedown almost three years ago. My situation was very difficult in the beginning, and I too questioned the decision to embark on this surgical path. Many people here, as was pointed out to me at the time, have a lot of difficulties in those early days. Over time things tend to get better as you heal, recuperate and figure things out,

I would also cast my vote for the bidet. I happen to have a built in one and I use it at least once a day.   It’s my best friend!

It takes time for the pouch to acclimate and start acting more like a large intestine.  Your frequency will adjust over time. For now, taking care with what you eat can help.  You may have been discharged with advice like sticking to certain foods that slow output - peanut butter, banana, rice. Oatmeal is good (but oats have lots of soluble fiber, so don't eat at the same time you use psyllium husk.) Getting ample protein (chicken, egg whites, greek yogurt) is important.  As is avoiding sugar/ wheat  and insoluble fiber (most fruits and vegetables.) Also not drinking with meals. And though we need lots of water, it's best to sip through the day between meals/ not chug down large volumes of liquids at once.  

And yes to the bidet!

Hi New577 and AMB,

I really appreciate your reply. My bidet is on its way. I used wet wipes, but still hurting my skin around anus especially at night time. Everyone is voting for bidet, it seems promising.

BTW, I have to make a bowel movement when peeing. Is this normal as well?  

Yes it is.

in time (it took me a year) your pelvic floor will strengthen so that when you urinate standing up you can hold back the BM.

however, if I sit down to urinate I will almost always have a BM if there is stool in the pouch.

If your wet wipes contain alcohol, your butt might burn. Also, you can try taking two loperamide/immodium with each meal and before bed to see if that slows you down and then taper off later on if movements slow down. It won't hurt you long term.

Hi roseviolet,

Thanks for your reply. I just talked with my surgeon today, and he gave the same instructions. He asked me to take 1 to 2 immodium before meal and before bed.
He also gave me Lomotil if immodium not works.

Thanks again for all the replys.