I’m not even sure how to describe this. A few weeks ago I started getting pain and bad cramps that seemed to put pressure on my prostate maybe. Basically the pressure is between my scrotum and anus I guess. No burning. Just pressure. If I go to the bathroom or pass gas it is relieved. Not pouchitis. Seams to be worse when I eat chocolate or drink. But, that could just be giving me more gas pressure which is pressing on something causing me pain. Almost like I will lose control of my bowels. 20 years with pouch, never had this. It’s not all day. A lot at night. Mostly if I have food in my system. Are there terms for this I can search? Thanks.
Replies sorted oldest to newest
Have you had pouchitis before? This sure sounds like early symptoms of it.
Jan
If you suspect your prostate, maybe you should see a urologist just to be sure. When was your last PSA? And what was the number?
Prostate pain wouldn’t usually be relieved by passing gas. Do you have a J-pouch-knowledgeable gastroenterologist you can call (or schedule an appointment with)?
PSA is fine. I’ve had pouchitis many times. It’s def something else. I was on Lexapro for a few weeks and that really messed up my insides. That’s when it started. I’ll keep an eye on it and maybe talk to a GI doc at some point.
Wondering if it is an abscess? It’s in the right area. I had a abscess for a couple of months and the only symptom was pain. No fever or chills.
Jaypea, that is what I'm thinking, or maybe even a hemorrhoid. Did yours go away on its own? Did you get a scope? Thanks.
Since you have had pouchitis and know your own pouchitis symptoms, it may well be prostate related, such as prostatitis. Prostatitis is fairly common, especially the older you are. Plus, Lexapro may well be a link here too.
Decades out from j-pouch surgery you are less likely to have an abscess related to your j-pouch. Those are more often related to post op leaks that simmer for years, and this seems more sudden in your case. Difficult to define, to be sure, since everything is so close together here.
Hope you get this sorted soon. A trial of antibiotics may be the best option.
Jan
Thanks Jan. I had Prostatitis this summer, so that could very well be the case again. It cleared up after some antibiotics to treat a UTI and good hydration.
@DJJ2019 posted:PSA is fine. I’ve had pouchitis many times. It’s def something else. I was on Lexapro for a few weeks and that really messed up my insides. That’s when it started. I’ll keep an eye on it and maybe talk to a GI doc at some point.
Glad to hear your PSA is fine
Unfortunately my abscess required surgical intervention. I had several others in quick succession after that one all requiring an I&D. I do not have inflammatory bowel disease. My scopes have all been clear. My surgeon says I am an anomaly!
I have not had an abscess for over 3 years now.
Happy New Year
Update: I've been feeling a lot better since taking my prostate medicine (Flomax) that I had prescribed this summer for Prostatitis. I think the culprit is long drives that irritate the prostate, so when I get the normal pressure from gas or having to go to the bathroom from the pouch, it puts even more pressure on the prostate. Anyhow, the pain seems to be gone. I'll be taking Flomax for a few weeks until I know I'm in a good spot. Thanks for the support.
It’s great to hear that things are better! I’d suggest a discussion or visit with your doctor for longer-term planning.
@DJJ2019 posted:Update: I've been feeling a lot better since taking my prostate medicine (Flomax) that I had prescribed this summer for Prostatitis. I think the culprit is long drives that irritate the prostate, so when I get the normal pressure from gas or having to go to the bathroom from the pouch, it puts even more pressure on the prostate. Anyhow, the pain seems to be gone. I'll be taking Flomax for a few weeks until I know I'm in a good spot. Thanks for the support.
Your welcome. I am glad you are okay! Happy New Year DJJ