Hey, I had my j pouch surgery 3 weeks ago after having UC disease for 3 years. Had all of my colon removed and had end ileostomy, had the j pouch constructed but kept a loop ileostomy because it needed time to heal, and I had the reversal recently. I'm going at least 10 times a day and 3 at night. Is this normal? What can I do to help things? Help I'm freaking out!
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Hi,
I too am about 3 weeks out and know the frustration. I have begun experimenting with imodium (doc approved), metamucil wafers and pepto. I find if I can thicken things up I can go longer between visits. I also find I have to wait longer in the restroom to make sure I empty my pouch as much possible. I also try to eat applesauce with meals to help thicken. Patience is the way to go. Your body is re-learning to use the bathroom and to handle this new task. Over time the pouch will stretch allowing it to hold more volume in turn allowing less BM's. I know it's a pain but I'd like to think it will be worth it in the long run!
I too am about 3 weeks out and know the frustration. I have begun experimenting with imodium (doc approved), metamucil wafers and pepto. I find if I can thicken things up I can go longer between visits. I also find I have to wait longer in the restroom to make sure I empty my pouch as much possible. I also try to eat applesauce with meals to help thicken. Patience is the way to go. Your body is re-learning to use the bathroom and to handle this new task. Over time the pouch will stretch allowing it to hold more volume in turn allowing less BM's. I know it's a pain but I'd like to think it will be worth it in the long run!
I agree with all Jess said.
Also, 10 BMs in first few weeks should not be cause of disappointment. It will start improving soon. You will start to see improvement soon, but measure progress in weeks and months, not days.
Good luck!
Also, 10 BMs in first few weeks should not be cause of disappointment. It will start improving soon. You will start to see improvement soon, but measure progress in weeks and months, not days.
Good luck!
Thanks guys! Really appreciate it.
I prefer more liquidy b.m.s because it is easier and faster to empty my J-pouch. I have full control and only visit the bathroom about three times during the day and once or twice at night, depending upon what I ate for dinner. I had my takedown over 10 years ago. Things were far more active (frequent) at first but settled down to a personal pattern eventually. It's much trial and error for each of us.
At what time did you notice things were slowing down? Also I feel like I don't have much control and I'm changing my boxers twice a day because of a small discharge 
Did you take imodium?
Did you take imodium?
D., my doc had me taking lomotil from the beginning; I am 15 yrs post surgery and still take it daily. I've not been one who can "thicken" BM through diet, the lomotil just slows things down a bit.
Sounds like your experience is normal. Your pouch will stretch and learn how to function better over time! I still have "oopsies" every now and then but MUCH better than with the UC!
Sounds like your experience is normal. Your pouch will stretch and learn how to function better over time! I still have "oopsies" every now and then but MUCH better than with the UC!
D,
I do take imodium and eat psyllium. I even have it on a schedule so I can keep ahead of things. I began see it thicken up once I increased the imodium. I also find if I take these about a 1/2 hour before meals things moves along better. I also cut some things out of my diet for the time being. It's all trial and error for me.
I do take imodium and eat psyllium. I even have it on a schedule so I can keep ahead of things. I began see it thicken up once I increased the imodium. I also find if I take these about a 1/2 hour before meals things moves along better. I also cut some things out of my diet for the time being. It's all trial and error for me.
I didn't keep a diary and so I can't remember when things finally slowed down. I believe it didn't happen overnight, though. I always have used food rather than meds to control consistency and frequency. I have nothing against meds at all but eating certain foods works for me. I think it's easier to aim for a liquidy output than one which is more solid. Best wishes!