Confused about Pouchitis symptoms

Rick, pouchitis is simply an inflammation of the pouch caused by bacteria. The most typical symptoms are increased frequency, urgency, and watery BMs. Other symptoms can include gas, fever, pain, flu-like feeling, bad smell, and blood. Your frequency is still so low at only 5 times a day (I think most people who have pouchitis are more like 10-20+), but you do experience many of the symptoms and it is a big increase for you from 3 to 5. Bright red blood could be indicative of a fissure or hemorrhoid as well. There are really only two ways to find out. Have your doctor scope you or have him put you on a course of antibiotics. If the meds work, then it was likely pouchitis. If you haven't had a scope in a few years, might be a good idea anyway. Best of luck :-)

Thanks for the feedback!! Your feedback settled my nerves a bit...

I haven't seen a gastro doc in 11+ years and haven't been scoped since my last colonoscopy in late 2000, but I do have an appt with a doc at Northwestern Memorial in late Feb.

I guess this guy is popular , but not sure my wife will let me wait that long with current symptoms.

Hi!
I do have the increased frequency, urgency and sometimes diarhea, i take immodium, i did notice more gas and usual with the bad smell but no blood, it sure sounds like i have pouchitis, i will call my surgeon...

I was able to keep pouchitis under control for a couple of years with just VSL #3. OTOH, I'm on Cipro now, and for the foreseeable future.

I am taking different probiotics 50 billion 10 strains 1-2 daily + 1 Floragen 3 15 billion I am on Metrondazole 1000mg a day am going to try and eat more healthy I am SURE that and STRESS are the main culprits + dealing with constant Candidia (from antibiotics I am sure) acid reflux surgery in 2000 BUT still on Dexilant, I am a mess had a flare up not sure if it's pouchitis or hemorrhoids?? no blood in stool other then on (little) tolet paper at times 8 10 BM a day + wakes me up at night SO doing only thing that stops it fast 20 mg of Prednisone for a few days then taper off

by the way I have a w-pouch don't know if that makes a difference?

The w-pouch may make a difference, since it is a larger pouch (4 limbs). It is more likely to become overstretched and difficult to empty. I have heard of people having to have their w-pouch reconstructed so that it is smaller and easier to empty by gravity and/or mild pressure.

Jan

I had my last surgery total colectomy/j-pouch creation/temp ileo 6/14/2014 I haven,t had any real sleep yet, for I wake up about every two hours or so at night to several b`ms. I`m thinking I have pouchitis or something isn't right. my surgeon keeps telling me it will pass but I`m starting to worry , I have 10 to 20 b`ms a day, some diarrhea, also some blood on toilet paper. don`t have unusual smell but I do have some gas. well, I may have to get second opinion.