J-Pouch Sore After Blockage?

Hi All

I had a partial blockage on Tuesday last week. My stomach swelled up and I wasn't able to "go" properly for a while, although I had the urge to. I passed little bits but nothing like normal. I was straining quite hard which I know I shouldn't have done but given the time since I had last been to the toilet properly I was really worried and just wanted it out of me! Around 1am I passed a lot of liquid which didn't bring me the relief I hoped for. At 6am I eventually passed what I believe was stuck and I felt much better, although my stomach remained swollen and sore.

I then ate soft foods for a few days to give my system a break and felt much better by the weekend so went back to eating relatively normally. My stomach started to swell again and I felt really uncomfortable. I was passing stool but it never felt like I fully emptied. I had my surgery done all in one go so I only have a bikini line scar. This is where it feels quite sore, swollen and bruised.

We are now a week later and things don't seem to have improved. When I go to the bathroom it still doesn't feel like I am completely emptying. I don't think it is pouchitis because I don't have the urgency that comes with it.

I was on here for a while yesterday and was worried that I had something more serious such as a kink or stricture. I am now wondering whether it is just taking my pouch a while to settle down after last week's drama. I am sat at my desk at work and I can feel the area is sore without touching it. I daren't eat normally and only had liquid soup yesterday.

I've contacted the hospital and I am waiting for an urgent appointment with my consultant.

I'd be grateful if anyone can offer any advice. Thanks

Liz

9/6/165:24 AM

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Scott FMember

Kizzy, it's possible that things are just still a bit swollen, and will slowly improve. It's also possible that the straining could have created a prolapse. These can be tricky to identify, so when you see the doctor you could simply ask whether it might be a prolapse. Good luck!

9/6/169:39 AM

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clz81Member

It can definitely take some time to recover. I've had many bouts of blockages. Some left me sore for a couple weeks. Also, it's possible that whatever is causing your blockage is still an issue, but that there's enough room for food and stool to pass. I had 8 or so adhesions removed that were all tightening around the bowel in different areas that likely caused me some partial blockage issues over a period of about a year and a half, but it was one adhesion that fully kinked the bowel that required surgery.

9/6/1611:14 AM

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Scott FMember

One alternative to straining would be to temporarily irrigate the pouch with a catheter. Some folks do it long term, which wouldn't suit me, but it could certainly help distinguish between a full pouch vs. one that just feels full (with the contents actually upstream).

9/6/161:15 PM

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skn69Member

So sorry Lizzy...this is not fun.

Scott is right, this may be residual swelling from the blockage or a prolapse.

I have had numerous blockages recently and afterwards, I feel like someone had punched me in the stomach for a week. Your insides are very delicate and may not be pleased with you right now...go ahead and see the consultant but also keep doing what you are doing...a light diet, nothing irritating and take it easy (no strenuous exercise).

Do not write off pouchitis so easily...it can have a multitude of symptoms and urgency is not always one of them.

Sharon

9/6/166:09 PM

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