I've been away from this site for a long time due to a diverting ileostomy but was reconnected to my pouch less than a week ago and I'm already in my go-to worry mode with questions. Initially I had a number of watery stools as I expected but yesterday I went maybe 3 times and today I've only had a small movement in the morning and it's not watery. I have been using Tramacet (an opioid) for crazy nerve pain. Thoughts and suggestions? Thanks so much.
Replies sorted oldest to newest
If you’re worried about going too little, backing off on the Tramacet, if you can, might help. You might also want to drink more water, and/or add some soluble fiber, like Metamucil. Good luck!
Thanks Scott. I decided to forego the Tramacet and haven't taken any since night. I think the bit of stool I had in the morning was surprisingly thick for a new pouch. I thought about fiber but my bowel is still swollen and the stool is thick. I tried drnking grape juice but i just feel more bloated. Of course I jump in my head to ileus as I have become such a worrier. I put a call into the surgeon and his receptionist suggested I try eating salad. I probably just need to relax and see if it changes on its own. They did prescribe a stool softener with the Tramacet but when I got out of the hospital I had such runny stools I didn't fill it. I guess I will try it.
I don’t blame you for being nervous! Illeus’ are painful! Maybe try and walk? They say that helps get the bowels moving.
As an update, I went off the Tramacet (a combination of Tylenol and Tramadol) and am using just the Tylenol. Not only is the bowel functioning much better, my head is much better too. I think the drug was really contributing to my anxiety.
I am wanting to start using the psyllium, as suggested, but am still wondering if it's too soon after surgery (swollen bowel).
"Careful what you wish for!" I had been worried about the lack of bowel activity and now it's the excess activity. I feel like I have to go all the time, feel crampy and not well. Again, is this just adjusting to a new pouch or am I developing pouchitis? I recently ended a course of Cipro which was prescribed for a UTI so I really am wondering about pouchitis now that I'm off the medication. I know it's early but I don't want to let things go as I did with my first j pouch where I ended up back in the hospital. (I've had a diverting ileostomy for almost 2 years with the pouch recently re attached). My new surgeon is not very easy to talk to - both in terms of access and in his demeanor.
It could be adjusting to the new pouch, but also, it might be good to keep a food journal to figure out what foods might prompt you going to often (or too little). Drink plenty of water, even if you are going excessively. But, if you are concerned it might be pouchitis, then definitely go to the dr. Is there another surgeon that you can switch to if you don't care for your current surgeon?