Hello, I too have those  issues at times. Buy an enema squeeze it out, put water in it and insert it.  That will help. I don’t always do this but at night before bed is when I do if needed.  Hope it helps

Thanks, Ron!  I will try that.

I think it  will work Surya. Let me know

Thanks again, Ron.  Will try it tomorrow.  Need to go to Walgreens to get an enema. 

Hello,

My pouch is 24 years old and I have also had problems evacuating. Recently it got much worse and I experienced a lot of abdominal pain, gas and bloating. I have a stricture at the connection of pouch to my anus. I saw a colorectal surgeon who recommended a Dilation under anesthesia. She was surprised at how small the opening was.

Things are much better now. I have gone to her office every 4-6 weeks for a digital rectal exam to make sure the stricture stays open. We are hoping after a few visits I will not need to continue this. I’ve read some people self dilate after this surgery, but it wasn’t something I wanted to do at this time.

All the best to you! And welcome. This is a great resource.

Before I give you a good answer, I need some info: How much water are you drinking??? And how often??? And what does your diet look like???

I don't know if this will help, but my GI doctor recommends a squatty potty, which helps the body get into the best position (knees higher than the anus) for elimination. I was not having trouble with eliminating the J-pouch, but she recommends this regardless. In the US it seems our toilets are getting higher (just like our cars keep getting bigger) and a squatty potty can be helpful. You can get a very good foldable squatty potty on Amazon here: https://www.amazon.com/Foldabl...&sr=8-5&th=1

Ron, the enema worked!  I used warm water, and it was very effective.  Thanks!

Mrs. P - Thanks for sharing you experience.  I actually have a Dilation scheduled for next week.  From what I have read, it should work.

Lauren of Emerald City - I drink approximately 10 ounces 3 times a day.  I am a vegetarian - I eat cheese sandwiches, baked potatoes, pasta, chicken nuggets and sausages - soy protein, soups, etc. No eggs. I avoid carrots although I don't know if I should.  I also use Metamucil.  I am avoiding immodium because of concerns it might create blockage. 

RHolt - I will try the sqatty potty!

Thanks, everyone.  I am overwhelmed by your kind support!  Gratefully, Surya.

@Surya posted:

Ron, the enema worked!  I used warm water, and it was very effective.  Thanks!

Mrs. P - Thanks for sharing you experience.  I actually have a Dilation scheduled for next week.  From what I have read, it should work.

Lauren of Emerald City - I drink approximately 10 ounces 3 times a day.  I am a vegetarian - I eat cheese sandwiches, baked potatoes, pasta, chicken nuggets and sausages - soy protein, soups, etc. No eggs. I avoid carrots although I don't know if I should.  I also use Metamucil.  I am avoiding immodium because of concerns it might create blockage.

RHolt - I will try the sqatty potty!

Thanks, everyone.  I am overwhelmed by your kind support!  Gratefully, Surya.

Hon, your not drinking enough water, that is the issue. People with a colon/rectum have to drink at least 64 ounces of water a day. People without a colon/rectum need way more than 64 ounces. Please drink more water!!! I had issues too when I did not drink enough water and now my issues are gone. Here is a trick that I like to do to drink more water: Drink water, before, during, and after every meal. If you drive a lot- drink water at every red light, sip water throughout the day, and especially drink at least one cup after every bowel movement. I really think these tips will solve the issues.

Thats whats up about you being a vegetarian!!! Me too!!! I just celebrated 9 years in July. Are you a vegetarian for moral reasons??? And when you say chicken nugges and sausages, those are the vegetarian kinds right???

@Surya posted:

I drink approximately 10 ounces 3 times a day.  

Were you drinking 10 ounces 3 times a day long before these issues arose, or did they arise only after you started drinking 10 ounces 3 times a day?

Because if things haven't changed in terms of your hydration protocol, difficulty evacuating is a hallmark symptom of pouchitis and you will not get better until you take some antibiotics. If a course of Cipro and Flagyl resumes normal evacuation after 72 hours, you will have your answer.

CT Barrister - I have been drinking the same amount as always.  However, I was able to contact my GI doctor today, and he put me on CIPRO 500 mg.  I am optimistic that well help.  Thanks!  P.S.  I have had my pouch since approximately 1994 and it has served me well. 

Lauren of Emerald City - Great suggestion.  I will indeed drink more water.  My wife is a Registered Nurse and she confirmed that drinking more water would be beneficial for me.  Thanks for the suggestion.  I am a vegetarian for religious reasons.  I am a Hindu.  P.S.  Yes, of course; vegetarian chicken nuggets and vegetarian sausages, vegetarian fish fillets, etc.  I also eat lots of cheese.  For additional protein, I drink Boost. 

I am lacto-vegetarian.  I consume milk, cheese and yogurt but avoid eggs.

I am glad to hear that you will drink more water: trying drinking before, during, and after every meal and drink water after each time you poop that way you replace what you lost.

Soo cool! I love Hindus!!!! I am a lacto-ovo vegetarian. I eat everything you listed as well.

Here is a IBD (ulcerative colitis and Crohns disease) link for Indian culture and south asian culture  https://www.youtube.com/@southasianibd

@Surya posted:

CT Barrister - I have been drinking the same amount as always.  However, I was able to contact my GI doctor today, and he put me on CIPRO 500 mg.  I am optimistic that well help.  Thanks!  P.S.  I have had my pouch since approximately 1994 and it has served me well.

That's a low dosage, but if you experience an improvement in symptoms within 72 hours, you will have your answer. Your difficulty evacuating is obviously not related to your hydration as your GI diagnosed, but drinking more than 30 ounces of fluids a day and consuming electrolyte beverages will be good for your overall health.

Thanks for the link, Lauren of Emerald City!  I checked it out; cool. 

@Surya posted:

Thanks for the link, Lauren of Emerald City!  I checked it out; cool.

Your welcome!!! Drink more water please! ASAP!