I am hoping to find any kind of help with some struggles I still have after getting my J pouch up and running. My surgery to remove my ileostomy was in September of 2019, but I am still having some issues. Some of my problems are diet related... and I am being pretty strict with that, but I am still having horrible gas and cramping pains. I had a fistula removed last year as well, but even that didn't make the pain go away. I have been on pain meds for awhile and am not sure how to ever get off them because the pain is so bad so often. I do not know if the pain and the gas and cramping is something I just need to deal with or not, but at times it is unbearable.
The other problem I have, and arguably the most frustrating one, is that I cannot hold it at night. I eat early and make sure to use the restroom before bed, but I wake up with an accident about 3 times a night. I am also only in bed for about 6 hours, so I am losing much needed rest because of this too. I have tried tons of things to help including fiber supps, and even prescription meds my gastro doctor has given me, but nothing helps. I absolutely do not want to have my pouch reversed and go back to a bag, but at times I wonder if it would be better.
Thank you to anyone taking the time to give me any advice of even just chat, I much appreciate it.