Community Forum

In 2009, as a result of ulcerative colitis, I underwent two surgeries to have my large intestine removed and replaced by a Jpouch. The surgery was a success, I am experiencing no pain. However, I find myself still frequenting the restroom at a high volume. This can range from 12 to 15 times a day.
 
The first couple of times I spoke with my doctor about this he attributed the frequent bathroom visits to pouchitis. I was prescribed some antibiotics, and at first it seemed to remedy the problem. However, I am still using the restroom 12-15 times a day.
 
I do understand, as my doctor explained after surgery, that I would still use the restroom more often than considered “normal,” but I didn’t expect this much…especially 4 years after the surgery. I’m just wondering if anyone else is experiencing similar issues after their surgery. If so, what have you done to try to regulate this? I’ve tried Imodium and Atropine without noticing much difference.
 
Thanks for any advice…

 Reply posted for smcdonell.

Side note to my regiment. It's ok if you miss the evening one or are late I can usually last until the next morning if that happens.

 Reply posted for ecupirate.

Hello. I had surgery back in 2009, 4 years ago. I too have the JPouch. For me, it took a good three years to get to going 5 times a day and 1-2 times at night. For me, that's great. The regiment I have is 3 tblsp. of Metamucil missed in 1/2 to 3/4 cup of water and 2 Immodium (generic is fine) twice a day. Once in the morning around 7, before I leave to work and once around 5 in the evening. When mixing the Metamucil, mix fast and drink it down!! Don't wait, it thickens up! I've done with for three years now and find that I can get from place to place without the worry of finding a bathroom first thing. I also, find that I don't have to go to the bathroom right after I eat anymore, I get about 1 1/2 hour before I need to go. I also, eat smaller meals and stop eating before 8PM. Give it time. Everyone is different. My doctor had told me every 6 months there would be a change to improvement and it does. Even now i noticed i get longer periods of time. For me, the only thing i really have to watch is soup! I love soup but have to be near a bathroom or at home because is goes through me quick! I hope I've given some help. Good luck and please be patient. You'll be fine.  ~Sharen

 Reply posted for ecupirate.

Hello! I had my color removed 22 years ago due to ulcerative colitis. I have a j pouch as well and my normal amount of bowel movements is 10 - 15 a day with 1 - 2 of those at night. It's always been that way, it seems as if 4 - 6 hours after a meal it's out of me. 

After living years thinking I was done with the GI stuff I got very sick again and was diagnosed with crohns disease. Talk about not fair! Anyway, I'm on Humira now and the one constant for the past 22 years is that the amount of bowel movements I have. 

I hope this helps ease your mind - you sound pretty normal to me!

:)
Janie

My surgery was in 2002 and I have had similar frequency. It doesn't bother me at all. I don't feel sick. It is wonderful.

I took imodium for a few years after surgery, it helped slow me down, now I don't have to take any. Stool is soft but not liquid. It will never be normal. I also go every time Im in the bathroom to pee. Why not go if Im already there and I always feel better when the jpouch is empty.

I do take Swansons Ultra Probiotics, 2x a day. It is the least expensive and the highest count of live bacteria. I have tried everything out there. This keeps the pouchitis away. If you have pouchitits the Dr. should put you on an antibiotic, at the same time take the probiotic to get the good bacteria in there. I do feel a difference if I don't take the probiotic. I think because things move so quickly thru me that there is no chance of the good bacteria grabbing hold. There has to be a steady supply  twice a day for me to feel good. I haven't had pouchitis in over 8 years!
I do have to watch what I eat but that keeps getting better too. I actually started eating raw veggies, I know, right?  They make me gassy and I can identify them as they exit my body, but whatever. I can eat them!

Feel blessed that the connection is working and you don't have the disease anymore. You just have to figure out how to work with the plumbing you have. Keep experimenting!