How to know that pouch is empty after bm? Very small BMs and feel bloated. Also just had MRI (for a different reason) which showed Moderate amount of stool in the rectal vault. What can I do to ensure complete emptying?
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I’ve found that drinking lots of water helps keep my movements better and easier to empty my pouch. I usually try to have a minimum of 64 ounces of water (MORE if the coffee intake is a lot that day). I’ve also found that if I can wait until I REALLY have to go, relax, and let gravity do some of the work that helps too.
Did I mention drink a lot of water too? 😆
I stand up, bend over like I'm touching my toes for about 10 seconds, then sit back down. I can literally feel gas or stool, whatever needs to move, shift down. Helps me empty!
Hey, I have similar issues with emptying too.. I can almost guarantee that after I think I've finished, by the time I've made it to the sink to wash my hands I'll need to go again. It can be very frustrating! I've always kinda thought it was just a part of having a pouch so just put up with it, but I mentioned it to my pouch nurse at last appointment and she was annoyed I hadn't mentioned it sooner 😂, she said it sounded like I just needed my pouch dilating, which I think they can do quick and easily during an endoscopy.
I'm already on a list waiting to have my pouch removed so I've not opted to have it done, but definitely speak to your pouch nurse about it.
Things that help me with emptying though: Standing up for a few seconds like Kmiller said; Sitting on the loo and raising my knees up above my head for a couple of seconds; and sitting, stretching your head down to your knees. And I always remember one nurse (10 years ago), telling me to rub my lower tummy slowly in a circular motion, clockwise.. Does actually seem to help me 😂...
Try all the movements slowly and and sit relaxed in-between to let everything filter down to the right place, the standing up probs helps me the most..
Good luck, FF