I have had anal anastimosis.. first surg 95 w total colectomy w R ileostomy. Few years later built Jpouch..nother few years.. reconnect all the plumbing to the sphincter. .where your fresh at 2016..yeah learnin how to push takes some time. Some of that is learnin to trust your sphincter lol. The burn is acid for sure..destin works great..drinkin plenty of water to dilute the acids helps.. what what you eat chemical wise it will have a not so pleasant side effect.. as for using a cath.. I can not say I used one.. sometimes usin an index finger ..get familiar w your new rectum lol..sometime there is a dip or pouch (very small) to ine side or anither and things can get stuck there. Might have to "scoop the poop". I am more than happy to help w any info and or experience with this as I can. I had my anal anastimosis in houston at the colon n rectal clinic.. Dr. Baily n Dr. Butts (not kidding) did mine they are the ones that developed the surg.