I seem to get myself in trouble because of stool inconsistency. When formed, it can be more difficult to pass, but not always. And yet I strain, feeling that I am seconds away from a satisfying release of gas and stool. Sometimes deep breathing and pushing is productive, but in reality if I push too often I make things worse. I get terrible pain and feel like there’s a stricture or I’ve caused a fissure. It’s been 3 years since takedown and I’m still learning. When I have symptoms like yours, I let my pouch rest a day or two and start back slowly, focusing on not straining which for me is very difficult.