@Jan Dollar posted:To hold or not to hold...
Many surgeons suggest resisting the urge to empty the pouch with the first urges, with the theory that it helps condition and stretch the pouch. My surgeon recommended it, but I only held my stool when I had to. I can imagine it is more difficult the longer you have been diverted with an ileostomy, because your sphincters may be a bit weaker.
After 25 years of personal experience I have not seen it to matter one way or the other. Early in the adaptation phase, it is difficult to resist emptying the pouch, because the gut is so traumatized and sensitive. But, soon you can delay emptying when needed, like when you are out and about. That is a great feeling, so unlike active UC flares!
What I have seen as a caution is slowing the gut so much that the stool is too thick to easily pass. This leads to straining, and THAT is what can definitely lead to pouchitis and/or structural defects like prolapse. Do not try to achieve solid stools, but more like applesauce.
Bottom line, each of us are different and your surgeon can best guide you.
Congratulations Jaydog for finally achieving takedown!
Jan
I believe you said you have had pouchitis before. Holding in poop can lead to inflammation which is basically in the pouchitis family.