Newly connected j-pouch burn/itch

You can try diaper rash creams/ointments or Calmoseptine (there's a link at the top of this page). The product I found most soothing was Nupercainal but not all drugstores/pharmacies carry it. For really bad butt burn, Ilex works wonders because nothing gets through. Unfortunately, Ilex is going through a revamping of their container so it's hard to find right now. But do a websearch and you may find a site that still has some in stock. You can find Nupercainal on the net too.

Many here have installed a toilet seat bidet (there's also a link - COCO - at the top of this page). If that's not feasible, you could try a sitz bath or bath/shower immediately after a bowel movement.

Try bulking up his stool with bread, pasta, rice, potatoes, etc. You might also want to do an elimination diet by removing one of his regular foods every 2 days or so to see if something he's eating is causing him problems right now. That doesn't mean that a certain food or liquid will always cause problems. While his j-pouch adjusts some foods may be a little harder on the new plumbing. If you find that is the case, try eliminating for a couple of months and then reintroduce it.

There are many, MANY different things that can cause butt burn/itching: wheat, tomato-based products, fruits, vegetables, eggs, chocolate, sodas and sports drinks. The list is long but it's only long because some people have found that something causes a problem for them.

Often people think that not eating will help alleviate the problem but often the opposite is true because that causes bile production and bile burns and itches. So more and smaller meals might help.

Welcome to the site. I hope you find a solution for your little guy's burn and itch.

kathy

Kathy,

We have been trying to bulk up his stool with things like white rice, saltines, white bread and pasta. We are going to try Imodium tonight to slow him down a bit.

Do you know if lactose free milk is a culprit? That is the major suspect at the moment. He is only 4, so he doesn't understand why he can't have certain things. He loves his milk and is going to be crushed if we have to take it away!!

Thank you for your advice!

I tried lactose free milk and I still had gas issues. So no more of that for me. And a bidet is very helpful. If you can't get one of those definately clean the area off after each BM with warm water, ivory soap helps too.

Thanks Holly. I'm afraid the little dude is going to have to suffer while we guess and test. Even his doctors weren't really sure how he was going react to everything. His surgery was performed at Children's Hospital Los Angeles, and unfortunately, he is one of the youngest patients in the history of that hospital, to have this procedure done.

My doctor told me I should also clean myself with Balneol (lotion/cleanser you wipe yourself with and don't wipe off) and not to wash your butt with soap. I was told by another doctor to put Bag Balm on (kind of like Vasoline but somewhat medicated). Neither of these burn at all. I use them when I am sore after going to the bathroom and they help. You can also put smear on like Bag Balm or Vasoline on right before a BM so it will not hurt as much coming out or when you wipe him.

Older post, I know, but with newly connected pouches on kids it is good to find out if the pain is internal or external. Since your son said he had pain and itching prior to a BM, it sounds like the pain is actually in the anal canal as much as it is on the outside. I can relate. The trick in that case is to get some relief up inside the anus. Kathy always recommends Nupercainal and it is probably the best bet. Anything with a bit of lidocaine will really help. I found that something with menthol - like Gold Bond medicated anti-itch ointment was great after a minute or two (there is a real WHOA! factor to menthol up your butt), but probably not for kids. Regardless, someone has to be brave enough to get it whatever ointment up in there.

My daughter (a 7 year old j-poucher) never did have issues at all. I was so jealous

Steve