Rick, pouchitis is simply an inflammation of the pouch caused by bacteria. The most typical symptoms are increased frequency, urgency, and watery BMs. Other symptoms can include gas, fever, pain, flu-like feeling, bad smell, and blood. Your frequency is still so low at only 5 times a day (I think most people who have pouchitis are more like 10-20+), but you do experience many of the symptoms and it is a big increase for you from 3 to 5. Bright red blood could be indicative of a fissure or hemorrhoid as well. There are really only two ways to find out. Have your doctor scope you or have him put you on a course of antibiotics. If the meds work, then it was likely pouchitis. If you haven't had a scope in a few years, might be a good idea anyway. Best of luck :-)