I had my reversal surgery three months ago. My surgeon told me that I would have few formed stools. However, I have had only one or two softly formed stools. Do I need to take an anti-diarrheal? What I mean is, does it really matter that my stools are not formed? Also, occasionally the skin on my bottom will bleed, probably because I am having four-six bowel movements per day? Can anyone recommend anything to put on the skin on my bottom?
Replies sorted oldest to newest
I just realized I did not mean to put the word few in the second sentence.
Any barrier cream applied consistently after every BM will help protect the skin from further injury. Plain zinc oxide is fine, or Calmoseptine, or Ilex. I was partial to Ferguson Formula after my surgery.
Think about *why* you want formed stools before introducing another treatment. Do you have any problem with urgency? If you still want to proceed, soluble fiber (e.g. Metamucil, Konsyl, Benefiber, Citrucel) will add bulk to the stool. Imodium or Lomotil will slow the gut, potentially removing more water from the stool. Under no circumstances make the stool so thick that you have to strain to poop.
i stopped taking Immodium once I went back to work, about 2 months after my op, can't remember the last time I needed to take it, have a small supply but it might be out of date. I'm happy with my consistency, it varies day to day but as long I'm not having a problem with output then I don't worry about it. I go 3-4 times a day
I am with Scott. Unless you have high frequency, I see no point in taking Imodium. Your frequency is on target. But, adding some bulk for thickening could help your butt. Slowing your gut too much could cause some real problems.
Jan 
I prefer liquidy stools as long as I continue to have full control. If I want to bulk things up, Metamucil does the job! Usually I take nothing. Having liquidy stools insures my J-pouch empties easily and quickly without needing to push at all. My J-pouch is "old" and so I never need to use a barrier cream.
I agree with others. If you are happy with your frequency, there is no real advantage to taking a bowel slower. In your case, since you seem to have good functioning, it may in fact have the opposite effect. At one point, I was taking imodium 2 times daily because my surgeon recommended it after takedown. But I actually don't take imodium regularly anymore and I haven't for several years now, as I don't like my stool to be too thick. I also have adhesions and I've had several partial obstructions as a result, so there is no need for me to deliberately slow my gut down as this could lead to further problems for me. These days, the only time I take imodium is when I am traveling. If I have looser stools, I will usually go for more rice, bananas, or oatmeal as these are good thickeners for me.
My pouch is over 8 years old and I still need my Calmoseptine several times a week. Don't be afraid to use a barrier cream, even after every BM if you need it. It's best to try to nip irritation in the butt (hee hee) before the irritation gets worse, as butt burn can be excruciating if it becomes exacerbated.
