PLEASE HELP

Have you been checked for a stricture? I had a stricture at the anastomosis site and it makes it very difficult to empty. I also has the crazy gurgerling noises too.

Yes, this sounds mechanical. Most common cause is an anal stricture. If that is not the problem, it can be a stricture inside the pouch, or a probelm with twisting or prolapse when you try to empty. Blood tests would be pretty much useless for these diagnoses, except to rule out other causes. If your GI is stumped, you need to be referred to someone with lots of experience with j-pouch complications.

Jan

I concur. The narrowing of my outlet was a HORRIBLE terrible thing, so bad, I was in my doctor's office begging for an ostomy. I could only pass gas lying on my back with my legs up like a flipped crab. It was ridiculously awful. An experienced doc should be able to tell with a digital exam.

A simple procedure, a dilation under anesthesia, put me right. I had 3 total, and have been seeing him monthly for a quick, in-office digital dilation once monthly since.

Oh dear! One person I know who has a stricture was told by a GI to take Malox.

That's ridiculous advice. Tell them to seek other care.

Do you feel lots of pressure in the pouch, but cant force anything out? Or does it seem further up? If you are feeling fullness in the pouch, and are unable to force anything out, then you should try using a medina catheter to expel things, and get some relief, at least until you can be checked out by your doctor. This catheter has been a lifesaver for me, as i have had elimination problems practically since day one. They come about 12" long, but cut them to about 6". Makes them easier to use and carry. I keep one in my pocket wherever i go, along with a little tube of lubricant. Another thing that helps me is tap water enemas to help get things moving.