Meds..

The other options after loperamide and lomotil are opiates (codeine, paragoric). Seems rather odd that the lomotil equivalent would be discontinued in the UK. 

 

One other option for unrelenting diarrhea is Sandostatin injections. But, it is quite expensive and usually used for those with gastric cancers. I would not be surprised if its use was highly restricted in the UK.

 

Of course, none of these will work if you have an underlying, untreated issue, such as pouchitis, bacterial overgrowth, cuffitis, or structural problems (like stricture, adhesions or malformed pouch). Obviously, the antibiotics you are on are not your answer. It might seem obvious, but looking at your diet as a contributing problem is another approach. Strip it down to the bare minimum of foods, then gradually add one food at a time to reveal any intolerances. I do find that if I try to slow the gut too much during the day, I pay for it at night. 

 

Jan

Thanks for the reply Jan, I've another few months to wait to go back to hospital for follow up. Just this evening I've spotted blood in my stool ��..
I stopped taking the codeine, was causing headaches, and I didn't want the addiction!.

I need to keep eating as I'm losing too much weight.
I will battle on until my appointment as my local GP haven't a clue what to do, they just ask me to wait until my appointment.
VSL has been discontinued also in the uk (Ireland) and there is no replacement option.

I would call, or email if you can, with the new symptom of rectal bleeding. This is a sign of cuffitis (common) or possibly pouchitis (less common). Mesalamine or hydrocortisone suppositories are the treatment for cuffitis. This is beyond the help of VSL#3 or other probiotics. They are for prevention, not treatment. You should not have to wait months to get treated. Of course, I know that in the UK things are often not as simple as getting a prescription over the phone. Please also tell them you are loosing weight. That is important also. You could be in severe dehydration and malnutrition in a couple of months. You don't want to wait for this to become an emergency!

 

Jan