Remedy to reduce bowel movements

I take Imodium three times per day, breakfast, dinner and bedtime. This keeps me at about 6 BMs per day. This seems to give me a decent QOL.

Others will weigh in with suggestions as well.

Thanks! Do you take one or two at a time?

Usually one, sometimes at dinner time, two an hour apart.

but be careful as taking two within a close time frame can cause a constipation effect which makes it difficult to empty Mr Pouch.

Perfect thanks

Hi - Is this a new problem or has it been consistent since recovering from your 2010 takedown?  

If it's a new problem, I'm wondering if something is going on.  Cipro can stop working, and for some a change in antibiotics can improve things. I know when I've had frequency it is related to inflammation that responds if I tinker with antibiotics. A course of treatment with Flagyl might be worth considering.

Thanks for the reply.

For the past few years I have probably averaged around 10 times a day. I recently gave up alcohol and thc so I’m constantly feeling like I have to go. I’m going 12-15 now. Cipro has usually worked but nothing seems to work right now. Again, I’m eating a good bit as well but still. Tired of pooping.

How does cipro help? Does anyone do irrigation?

It slows me down and helps with pouchitis

When Cipro alone stopped working for me I got excellent results from adding Flagyl and taking both - even though Flagyl alone had never worked for me. This all presumes that pouchitis is what’s going on.

Thanks!

Psyllium husk powder slows down the frequency for me and increases the quality of the stool making it less sticky and easier to clean, so not so much wiping which can cause irritation.  I usually take a teaspoon before each meal with water: shake it up in a little jar with water, drink that, then wash it down with plain water.  You would have to experiment with an amount that works for you, just make sure you take it with plenty of water.  Some people prefer wafers or capsules. 

Thank you Sara!

@samlc25 I too was getting exhausted from going to the bathroom all the time.  I discovered Psyllium husk. It not only slows down your bowel movements but it thickens it as well. So it's easier to go. You have to kind of figure out your own amount.  Best way is to get like a tall glass of water and put 2-3 teaspoons and mix well.  I usually let it thicken a little and then drink it.  You have to figure out if 1 glass is enough in a day or more.  Be careful don't over do it.

I tried the husk in the morning but by early evening I found myself having to take multiple trips to the bathroom because only a little would come out at a time. At least when it’s watery I can empty. Does that make sense?

@samlc25 posted:

I tried the husk in the morning but by early evening I found myself having to take multiple trips to the bathroom because only a little would come out at a time. At least when it’s watery I can empty. Does that make sense?

That makes total sense.  Sounds like it wasn't quite the right amount of psyllium for you and might take more experimentation.  I wouldn't give up on it yet. 

@New577 posted:

Usually one, sometimes at dinner time, two an hour apart.

but be careful as taking two within a close time frame can cause a constipation effect which makes it difficult to empty Mr Pouch.

I can sometimes take 4 at a time with no effect

I don't think I can do the husk.  I go to the br twice as much than regular because it feels urgent but just a little comes out at a time. I'm going every hour.

@samlc25 posted:

I don't think I can do the husk.  I go to the br twice as much than regular because it feels urgent but just a little comes out at a time. I'm going every hour.

I wonder if enough water is being taken with it?  That usually helps with volume.  But everybody is different, and psyllium might not be your thing. 

Unfortunately, I’ve been diagnosed with Chrohns.

I don't actually "like" that.

No worries. I’m good with it. Honestly just content in knowing what was wrong. I’ve been dealing with stomach issues all of my adult life so it is what it is. Keep on keeping on.

@samlc25 posted:

No worries. I’m good with it. Honestly just content in knowing what was wrong. I’ve been dealing with stomach issues all of my adult life so it is what it is. Keep on keeping on.

How was it diagnosed?  I just went to the colo-rectal doc for the first time in about 20 years. They want to do a blood test and also do a scope just to see what's going on.  I also have the condition where there is joint pain and psoriasis, which is commonly connected with UC (even without the colon). 

My gastro did a flex-sygmoidoscopy and detected it immediately.  Lots of ulcers and white spots that he said are consistent with Chrohn's.  I'm pretty sure I have had it for at least a year, maybe two, but I just didn't get it checked and assumed that that was life with a pouch.

I would definitely do a scope just to make sure you are good.  I just started assuming I'm as good as I can be when I should have been getting scoped. Best of luck to you.

I would also recommend the Psyllium husk.

If you can't stomach the taste, the pills work just as well.

I was diagnosed with Crohns, as well.  (Fistulas and a lot of mucus).  I irrigate in the shower every day and it helps a lot!  I take two Citrucel capsules in the morning and two before bed.  This helps thicken up the stool.  My sphincter muscles are scarred and the "opening" to my pouch doesn't seal. Due to this, I don't have much control and have accidents pretty much every day/night.  But, I am thankful that I still have my pouch after 33 years and hope I can make it another 33.