Could This Be Pouchitis, And If So, How Do I Treat It?

Sounds like pouchitis. It can be treated with antibiotics, usually cipro and/or flagyl. These medications have potential side effects that you should discuss with a doctor before taking them.

Are there any natural treatments available? I'd rather not have to see a doctor unless it gets much worse.

Some people have used probiotics but usually only after the pouchitis is in remission. I am not sure if you can get pouchitis in remission using natural treatments. I have tried a few like aloe vera juice, straight probiotics and they did not work. If the pouchitis is not effectively treated it will get worse.

This sounds like pouchitis to me too.

I don't know how it works in Australia, but in the US, we can usually get a prescription by just calling our doc and describing the symptoms. No need for an office visit or scope first time out. Now, if the antibiotics do not work or the symptoms keep returning after stopping antibiotics, then a scope is in order.

Studies have shown that supplements do not work with acute pouchitis. If they do, then you didn't actually have pouchitis. I usually like to wait a week or so to see if it is something that will just "blow over" and resolve on its own, but then I start taking Flagyl. One thing for certain, the longer you wait, the tougher it is to treat. So, the sooner the better in getting proper treatment.

Typical treatment is Flagyl or Cipro for 10-20 days.

Jan