Perhaps a defogram would help show what's going on when he sits on the toilet. In any case, do you have access to a knowledgable gastroenterologist?

Some random thoughts. . .been awhile since my takedown.

I think the oxycodone can make it difficult to pass stool from your pouch. . .in fact, I vaguely recall being told that any narcotic/pain killer can cause issues. I would not recommend stopping the pain killer, just be aware it could be causing issues.

Next up would be diet. What is he eating? Have you tried going back to a simple diet (white rice or similar) and slowly add foods back in? The gas pain sounds to me like issues with food. If he's a big red meat eater, might cut that out for awhile. Also chew chew chew!!

Straining can cause complications, so maybe have him try the toilet dance. . .I think others are more clever in the naming. . .where you shift forward, backwards, lean to the side, etc.

If you live in one of the states that allows medical marijuana, that is another option. For me, it stops the rectal spasms and cramping.

Is he actually emptying his pouch in the shower or does he just feel better? I ask b/c maybe he feels like he needs to go but doesn't really have anything to expel. . .pouchitis?

Lastly, stay away from immodium or anything that might slow your system down and consider adding fiber, a little at a time, to bulk up the stool and maybe make it easier to pass.



3 months is still pretty early from the surgeries. . .hopefully, with a little more time and change in diet, things will work themselves out (pun!).

I'm so sorry your husband is going through this. I know how terrible it is, as I am going through the same thing at the moment, only I'm at two months out and this is my second takedown, so I know it isn't "normal."

Like your husband, I also find standing up in the shower to be one of the only ways to empty. Tap water enemas also provide relief. Pain killers can slow things down, but, at least in my situation, I know pain killers are not the ultimate problem, since I don't really take them.

Based on what I've read, it could be pelvic floor dysfunction, which is treated via physical therapy and biofeedback. Otherwise, I have no idea.

Sorry I can't be of more help, but I just wanted to let you know that your husband is not the only one going through this. Best of luck.

Try (or suggest your husband to try :-)) to use a catheter to empty the pouch.
I also have emptying problems and it's a huge help.
See the thread "Self-catheterization" for links to details about how to do it, which catheter to use etc.
Might not help for the rectal spasms, though ...
Good luck, keep us posted !

Thanks for all your suggestions and replies. To answer some questions he does have to stand in the shower to defecate. He occasionally has to go to the bathroom at work on the toilet and he can do that but its very difficult. He has to strain and its painful. He also doesn't empty completely when he tries to use the toilet. I don't think the pain meds are an issue because he only takes them on occasion. His spasms seem to be getting better. They are not happening as frequently. Our main concern at this point is his difficulty using the toilet. I worry that something is wrong. Is this normal? We are now 4 months post op. We have an appointment Thursday with the surgeon to discuss biofeedback and a possible defogram which was suggested in previous posts. I just wish we knew if this was something that needs to be fixed or something that will work itself out in time.

This isn't normal. Most of us have never intentionally defecated standing up. My guess is that it won't resolve on its own - it sounds structural, but I'm glad you have an appointment to get it figured out. Good luck!

krittyd: have you gotten results for your husband's defecation tests and mri?