J-Pocher "Strange"...thanks for the detailed info on diet and Loperamide. I do think there is a link between what you eat, and when, that relates to BM frequency and count. The small intestine is a constant flow organ always pushing through whatever enters it from the stomach...it does not take breaks though some foods/liquids may pass through at different rates. The Loperamide must be working well for you on bowel frequency and number. When you do have a BM does it take a long time...15+ minutes or a more "normal" time? One of things I have read and found myself is that BMs tend to be slow (especially if on a fiber supplement or Loperamide) and that often I think I'm done only to return within 30 minutes to an hour to (possibly) continue what I previously started! I generally end the BM when I think I'm finished or my legs fall asleep :-) I'm pretty sure this is increasing my daily BM counts though several could be consolidated if they were faster. I never emptied my ileostomy bag 10+ times a day...maybe 5-6 and one overnight so I'm hopeful of a similar outcome now i have taken Loperamide but stopped as part of a fresh start to see what works. Citrucel is working well, only one tablespoon mixed with water before each meal. No liquid BMs but the slowness.and extended bathroom stays I want to see improve, if possible. I may begin by reducing the fiber to a teaspoon to see if things continue to be consolidated (not loose) but pass through faster.
Ryan138...I have been dealing with butt burn for 3 months... extremely uncomfortable! The Citrucel fiber IS helping by absorbing bile acids that normally never reach the rectum/anus when there is a colon. I also use a Coloplast barrier paste that helps also. I started originally with Calmoseptine but found that if the irritation was to the point of light bleeding the Calmoseptine was causing additional irritation...the Coloplast does not do that. Unfortunately this stuff is not cheap...about $15 each! FYI... personally I have felt pretty much on my own since my take-down surgery. A follow-up appointment with the surgeon 10 days after the surgery ended with "see you in 6 months!". These forums and other on-line resources have been my PRIMARY means of learning about my J-Pouch and how to live with it. Truthfully, right now, if the frequency and irritation doesn't improve I would seek a reversal and be fine with an ileostomy!