Sudden Urges

Flu? Bug?

I don't think so. No other symptoms at all. It like my rectum just "gives up".

Any cramping? Maybe get checked for pouchitis

Could be a spasmodic pouch/bowel (excessive motility, usually brought on by eating). If so problem is easily fixed by taking anti-spasmodics like bentyl, levsin or donnatal. I had it for many months after takedown. Faded away over time.

Could also be pouchitis, but I would tend to suspect spasmodic pouch if the urges come right after a meal.

Thank you...the urges do seem to come either during or right after a meal. I try to eat 6 smaller meals a day though.

I would suspect spasmodic bowel. Get a scrip for bentyl or levsin or donnatal, take it 30-45 minutes before meals and problem is solved. You may only need to take 2 or 3 a day despite the 6 small meals. These drugs may or may not cause you to feel a little loopy. But they put the kabosh on the excessive motility.

I reported the same issues to my surgeon and he diagnosed it right away.

It's an issue usually between takedown and 1 year post. For me it has faded and I no longer need to take the anti-spasmodics regularly.

Thank you...I'll talk to my surgeon. Course I am 3 years out from my take down and just started having this issue.

I was 10 years out before I was hit with pouchitis. No blood, but definitely regular and random loss of control without warning.

I can't say, though, that it was around my eating schedule. The timing was completely random.

WW Domenic,

If you are 3 years post takedown pouchitis could be a suspect. The hallmark symptoms of pouchitis are frequency and urgency which increase over time, and a sense of incomplete evacuation.

If you are put on cipro or flagyl it will stop the pouchitis flare, in all likelihood. If it is spasmodic pouch, you will need antispasmodic. Because of how far out you are from takedown pouchitis possibly the more likely suspect.

Called my GI doctor today. Waiting on the callback now. Have a feeling a scope is in the very near future.

Let us know how it goes. Good luck.

Talked to the doctor. I was right...he wants to do a scope before making any kind of diagnosis. Anybody ever use Asacol rectally? He mentioned trying that to keep any inflammation down.

quote:

Anybody ever use Asacol rectally? He mentioned trying that to keep any inflammation down.

Suppositories will help if your issue is inflammation in the rectal cuff/cuffitis. It is not a panacea if your issues are also in the pouch. Your doctor probably suspects that this is where the issue is, pending the potential identification of the problem on a scope.

I think a scope is a very good idea if you have not had one in 3 years.

This will be my 3rd scope since the takedown. Last 2 was to confirm pouchitis, which I seem to get every 6 months like clockwork. Also part of the reason I do not think this is pouchitis as I just finished a round of Cipro at the start of March. Guess its a sit and wait thing now.
Thanks for the support and information.

quote:

I do not think this is pouchitis as I just finished a round of Cipro at the start of March.

WWD,

Finishing a round of cipro does not "confirm" that pouchitis is gone. I have been cycling antibiotics for 18 years. I am mostly symptom-free but the scopes show "simmering" or "moderate" chronic pouchitis year after year since 1995. The lack of symptoms or finishing a round of antibiotics means nothing as to whether or not inflammation is there. One or multiple rounds may or may not knock it out. The scope will determine which.

Well....looks like it is another case of pouchitis after all. Blood started showing up in my stool today. Hopefully my doctor will call in a script for antibotics and not make me wait to see him next week.

Thanks again to everyones input.

I figured out the culprit of my sudden urges. Lactose intolerance, which I was never before. This is a new thing. Figured it out by accident. Didn't eat any dairy during the day and my symptoms calmed down. Had some ice cream last night and they all came back again. No dairy so far today and I'm getting back to my normal again. ~sigh~ This is going to be difficult for me. I love dairy soooo much. I'm going to try some of the lactose pills to see if that helps. Hopefully it does.

Seen my primary care physician yesterday. She consulted with my GI physician and decided that another round of antibiotics was needed. Going with Flagyl this time around (500mg x2day). Seems the earliest they can do the scope now is June 5 .
I just hope they figure this out soon. It has gotten to a point where I stop eating at 10pm at night just so I can go out the following morning and do my errands. Once I am home for the day I eat. I know not eating isn't good for me, but nothing else seems to work right now.
Anyways...that's where I stand now. Thanks again for everyone's insight. This site has been a tremendous help for me.