Wow... Firstly, thank you so much for your lovely replies, comments and advice. I really feel supported right now as you all understand how it is.
In terms of diet, I have been very restrictive; that said, I do still have dairy and sugar! I'm going to eliminate that from my diet immediately in the hope that there is improvement. Also, I will judge how much gluten I have; probably a bit as I'm low residue again so eat white bread with peanut butter as a filler.
I did wonder why my joints were so very achy when I was on Cipro; as a rule I don't like reading side-effects but perhaps I should have! I still feel achy now but nowhere near as bad before. I also didn't realise that you could get a lung condition from them! I wonder whether it was purely coincidental but something to seriously consider if I take them again!
Terradon: thank you for your thoughtful suggestions. You're absolutely right that stress is probably a major factor; with little to no sleep since takedown, and feeling completely crappy with zero energy, not to mention the pain and pouchitis is a recipe for disaster. I'm taking your advice to heart and will try to find some time daily to reflect and destress. I like the suggestion of a walk and you second guessed me as my immediate thought was "but what about a bathroom!" Ha ha. I'm just going to have to check before I go and stop over thinking things!
oh... And I don't eat anything acidic and am completely tee-total. I have resorted to using St Marks Solution for when I feel dehydrated; I really wish we had access to Gatorade, calmpostine (?) (for butt burn) and many other tricks you guys have like the wafers.
Once again, I would like to thank you all for just either reading this or contributing with support and advise. I cannot tell you how much I feel better just reading it. Xx