For most of us pouchitis is quite treatable. Most important, I thinki, is to make sure you're doing everything possible to get it under control, and keep it under control. I haven't had the experience of needing pain meds for it, and I guess it could get that bad, but that may also be a sign that something else is going on, or the treatment isn't working.

Opiates for pouchitis are generally to slow the gut/treat diarrhea, not for the pain. They do help with the pain, by slowing the gut and any cramping that might be going on. The pain of pouchitis is probably better treated by antispasmodics, not pain medications, because of the type of pain involved.

This is one of those "depends on the situation" things, and should be decided on a case by case basis. I think if your doctor understands the type of pain you are in, he would be better able to decide how best to treat it. It is not the same as most pouchitis cases are treated with antibiotics.

On the other hand, there is no need to feel guilty for taking some codeine when you are suffering and want some relief. I think most people do the same, and there is no harm in it.

Jan

Not everyone needs opiates for pouchitis. I ususally don't but have at times. Trust your body. If you're hurting that bad, there's nothing wrong with using the medication as it's intended.

Oh, you might want to talk to your GI doc about an opium tincture. I use that many nights... It is such a small dose, it does nothing for pain, no tiredness or euphoric effect, but it does slow down my frequency through the night and that helps me a LOT

I am prescribed oxycodone for my pouch spasms since I cant take antispasm meds, they make me so blurry I cant see.

Thanks for the replies. This is the first time I've had treatment for a long standing flare so hopefully it won't get to the point ever again of needing pain management. Now that I know what pouchitis is, hopefully I can catch it quickly.

Even better....hopefully it will never come back!!!!