I had UC which tried it's best to kill me, I had my colon removed and eventually a J pouch, that was 8 years ago now I seem to go to the bathroom a lot more than I used to, I pass smaller motions and was wondering if my pouch has gradually shrunk.
When I first had it done I had some tests, one involved 1 litre of water (with an isotope in it I presume) pumped into my pouch and x rays taken, I honestly don't think I could take half that amount now. Has anyone else experienced this?
Replies sorted oldest to newest
Shrinking may occur due to multiple bouts of pouchitis--pouch gets stretched out and in some ways 'burnt out' according to my surgeon due to chronic pouchitis. I have this issue after 5 years with pouch and chronic pouchitis.
I think what you are describing is what is known as a "stiff" pouch. It can happen after chronic pouchitis. The pouch loses its elasticity and is unable to retain much.
Jan 
I had pouchitis in the early stages but I've been fin e since but it's been the last year or 2 where I noticed that I've been going to the bathroom more and passing less.
Maybe you have an anal stricure. These can develop over time and have the symptoms you describe. How long has it been since you've been examined?
Jan
It's been 8 years since I was "signed off" by the hospital, since then I haven't had any follow ups examinations.
It sure sounds like time for a pouchoscopy.
Yes, most definitely time for a check up instead of playing internet guessing games.
Jan
