Community Forum

Have a question, or want to share your own tips and experiences? Join the discussion in the community forum. You must be registered to participate. Our forums are moderated by Crohn's & Colitis Foundation staff to facilitate a safe environment.

Life After J-Pouch Surgery


Thu, January 15, 2009 1:00 AM

How are people dealing with the pouch after surgery? Is anyone taking any medicines or anything? My husband has the surgery last month and was going A LOT. His doctor put him on antibiotics and he was down to going just a few times a day and maybe once at night. Now that the antibiotics are over, he was going again a lot last night. Has anyone else had this problem, and if so, what did you do? Would probiotics help?

FPO mellyp321
Joined Jan 15, 2009

Sat, January 24, 2009 1:00 AM

 Reply posted for mellyp321.

it has been three yrs this past week since my surgery to be truthful i could still go upto seven times a day but i feel great and not bloated. Different foods create different reactions and your husband will fiqure it out as he goes along. I do take probiotics daily and  i contribute the probiotics to a healthy lifestyle. on an occassion or two i have actually had to take colace because i find gas is a huge issue and the colace actually allows it to pass comfortably. im not sure if this will help your husband but i hope so. its all about getting to know your body. He should keep active, and its great that your there for him. 

FPO tpiemo
Joined Apr 29, 2008

Thu, January 15, 2009 12:48 PM

 Reply posted for mellyp321.

I had my surgey done last January and for quite some time I was going 10 to 15 times a day.My surgeon told me it was  pretty normal and that over time it would reduce to about 5 a day. I now am at about 5 to 7 times.She explained that it takes time for your j-pouch to expand  (around two years to fully expand) and be able to hold more.I also tried Metamucil fiber wafers and Immodium which helped somewhat.Best advise is time it will get better.I had some doubts in the begining but know I'm so happy with the results I don't really take any meds just some butt cream.Hope this helps and good luck!  

FPO evswartz
Joined Jan 15, 2009

Related Topics

Small bowel resection
Author Image jess123
Joined Jan 9, 2022

Hi, I'm preparing to have an ileocecal resecti....

read more

Issues after complete sur...
Author Image Rolo
Joined Feb 25, 2024

Hello, I have had all 3 surgeries to complete m....

read more

Ostomy Support
Author Image JohnWalsh
Joined Dec 11, 2023

Are there wound care experts or professionals that....

read more