Jpouch help please

Former Member

Hello. My name is Tom and am new to the group. I’m 56 and have been living, fairly well, with a jpouch for three years. A result from 12 years with UC.
Recently, two months ago, I’ve been diagnosed with RA and have been on daily low dose Prednisone, and Xeljanz, a biologic, to hopefully control the RA. As imagined these two situations have offered a new set of challenges, but most pressing is constipation/ thick stool which began with taking the RA meds. Constipation has never been a problem. Bathroom events can last 20 to thirty minutes with much straining and incomplete evacuation, several times a day. Miralax hasn’t helped much and am hoping to avoid sugary fruit juices because of inflammation from the RA.
Has anyone experienced something similar? Grateful for any advice.

11/1/207:37 PM

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Scott FMember

Hi, Tom. I’m sorry you’re going through this. If all you’ve tried is MiraLAX then there are more things that might help. Adding plenty of water to your current consumption might be enough to do the trick. If that’s not enough, or you’ve already tried it, you might also consider trying (carefully) a psyllium fiber supplement - you could use Konsyl, which is readily available unsweetened/unflavored, or (if you prefer) artificially sweetened Metamucil. These tend to bulk up liquid stool, which is how many J-pouches use them, but they’re more typically used to manage constipation. They are best taken with meals (before or after). I’d suggest the powder rather than capsules or wafers. Good luck!

11/1/208:18 PM

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Former Member

Hi Scott, I drink plenty of water but will definitely try Metamucil, hopefully will do the trick.

Thank you.

11/1/209:14 PM

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Former Member

Oatmeal helps too