i was about 1 month out when i started the metamucil wafers (i think these work better than the powder for some reason) in the morning, 1 tbsp of the powdered metamucil with 1/4 cup of liquid around dinnertime along with 1 immodium at night and i noticed a HUGE difference. it wasn't the frequency that bothered me as much as the constant feeling (especially later in the day) that i had to go--that drove me crazy. i hope this information helps a bit, best of luck to you, michelle

It took me about two months before things began to settle down from 10-12 times per day to 6-8 (until I contracted pouchitis then things got all crazy). The promised 5-6 does not appear to be in my future in the absence of medication. One of the few times in my life that I am above average at something.

Hi,

I had my takedown on 12/4 and feel your frustration. I too have experienced this scenario, I find I need to be more patient in the restroom. When I was sick before the surgery going to the bathroom took NO effort, now I have to work to get the pouch empty. I take imodium 4x a day and eat a wafer pouch before every meal, if this is what I have to do for now, I am willing to do it. It is better than being ill, and having all the pain w IBD.

Have you tried Lomotil? I am on Lomotil, bentyl, loperamide and codeine (when I can't stop the runs at all). I have had a lot of success with my one Levsin/sl. It is so hard to know what to do. I am 9 months out. But one thing I found for sure during the recent holidays. NO more sugary sweets. OMG I have been dying in the bathroom and very bad butt burns. Hang in there. I do also have pouchitis. I am on Cipro also. But I have faith. I just have to stop the sweets!!! One thing that makes me feel great is the fact that I am only around 110 pounds. I love the new me look. I have lost over 40ish pounds since the start of my first surgery January 27, 2012. I can hardly find pants to fit me. I have finally went to girl's size pants. That is helping me out.

Also, when I am starting to get full. I totally stop eating. I don't try to fill myself up. I do also believe in those fiber wafers. They are pretty good but I would only start with 1. They come 2 to a package. I ate them very slow and small bites. They kind of melt in your mouth. But they are tasty.

It took several months to get down to 3/4 times a day (on really good days, that is). I think after four weeks, 15 times a day is still fairly normal, but if you're worried ask your doctor. I would have thought you would start to see it go down over the coming months. I find I didn't always realise at the time that it was getting better - it wasn't until much later down the line I would look back and think, "Oh yeah, it's much better"! Hope it progresses well for you, Paul.

So pretty normal for your timeline. I am three months post takedown and I still get up 2-4 times a night. I will use the bathroom before work 6:45am, around 10:00am, usually one hour after lunch 2-3pm, again before going home 6pm, and a few times before bed.

I only take Imodium right before bed. My biggest issue has been gas and I'm trying to cut out the cabonated drinks. I'm happy with the consistency of my BMs.

Keep your chin up! Things drastically improve around six-eight weeks out. Butt burn is gone!!!

i am almost 7 months out and still go to the bathroom 10 times a day. But then again, I'm not taking any lomotil or anything. I guess I could reduce it by taking bowel slowers, but then it fells uncomfortable to empty, and I feel "backed up". still trying to figure it out i guess...