Ive had an IRA for 23 years. Your quite right to compare some of your experiences to j pouch patients. You will get butt burn with an ira at times especially first few months until things heal up and even then you get some stingers. Getting your fluid intake correct is vital now you've lost the large bowel. I have been instructed to drink 2.5 litres a day, more in hot weather. Going to the loo has never been quick for me, I just have to patiently let things pass without forcing too much. I take 6 imodium a day which does help keep my frequency down to 5 bowel movements a day, without it I'm well into 14 bowel movements a day. I vary between sloppy to semi firm most of the time but every now and then I get watery diarrhea that I've never been able to explain. Caffeine and alcohol are best avoided i have found and too much sugar. Raw vegetables have never agreed with me since surgery. I'm due to have a J pouch soon but has been delayed due to other health problems to cut my risk of rectal cancer. Hope things are going OK for you by now.