excessive bloating, chance of blockage? super uncomfortable :(

When it comes to having solid stool, so far the only thing I've found that ever helped me was Metamucil.  Not one medication had worked yet.   I just hope something new comes out already.   

Have you been checked for pouchitis? I could have sworn I had a partial obstruction and it turned out to be pouchitis all along.

Jan

I agree with Jan. First thing to rule out would be pouchitis. Symptoms of pouchitis can be vague, not to mention they can overlap in similarity with other potential conditions (virus, blockage, etc), so sometimes it can be hard to distinguish.   That said, I've experienced several partial obstructions, and one of the telltale symptoms that distinguish them from other issues is the wave-like cramping, which you do not seem to have.  So based on your description alone, I think a blockage in your case is less likely, especially since your symptoms have gone on a month already. That is not to say you don't have a blockage, but I would highly suspect pouchitis as being the first thing you should confirm or rule out.

Sounds like pouchitis, i still marvel how i could eat anything for the first 10 years with my pouch. Eventually i realised that diet was just so essential in maintaining a healthy pouch. Its pretty hard to change habits but through trial and error you can determine what triggers pouchitis. 

After my pouch settled down post take-down, I was eating all sorts of foods but eventually developed a mild but persistent case of cuffitis. after trying antibiotic solutions I finally found my symptoms settled down after trying the FODMAP diet for 4-5 months - I thought bread and fruit were good for me! This allowed me to go from 5-6BMs a day to 3. Never thought I would get there!

What are the symptoms of cuffitis and pouchitis? I'm new to jpouch 5 weeks post op 

 Chris – – it could be SIBO, for which the low Fodmap diet will help you understand what foods you can eat and what foods to avoid.  Lots of information about the diet  on this forum and the web. It looks forbidding at first, but once you start feeling better the FODMAP foods start looking like poison!   

Gluten free is so popular these days is because
1. its perceived to be healthy - a myth
2. while being digested there may be some 'bloating' - natural

If you have a gluten intolerance (which is addressed in the FODMAP diet) then the bloating is probably unnaturally severe.

But, I do love the way that gluten free products have exploded in popularity!

Thanks so much for everyones replies. I am going to see a new doctor on Friday, I'm definitely going to mention possible pouchitits and this Fodmap diet. Where can I find more info on this Fodmap diet? Spooky did they diagnose you with pouchitits after a scope? 

I have the Monash University FODMAP app. It tells you the rationale and lists foods to avoid and why. Also contains recipes and other info. 

 Bug--Can't recommend that app enough, it's simply fantastic.   It enabled me to figured out the low Fodmap diet on my own– – Despite my doctor saying one needed a dietitian. Another resource is http://www.katescarlata.com/.   She is Boston-based, however you could have a Skype session with her, for $250,. She does coordinate with Monash University.

Chris – – don't necessarily think that your doctor will know about the low Fodmap diet, or if she/he does that it will make a substantial difference.  Yup I'm cynical.