I'm 12 yrs. post op and haven't been on this forum for yrs. because it use to scare the $#!t out of me, no pun intended. But instead of scaring you I thought I'd share a positive outcome.

I suffered for years with chronic pouchitis. I tried everything. I could get rid of it with hard antibiotics like Flagyl, and with small flare ups I tackled them with Xifaxin (expensive), then I found I had it all the time. Ugh, as well as difficulty going. I'd have to lean forward or side to side and force it. A few times I experienced a blockage. Not fun.

Here's the good part. I finally found a very knowledgable doctor who specializes in J pouches. He's in Dallas. His name is Warren Lichliter, He is a true expert. He took one look and said I needed to be dilated. It's an easy 5 min. procedure, albeit they put you under with Propofol. Once dilated - no more pouchitis. He said by not evacuating properly the bacteria would constantly breed, thus causing chronic pouchitis. I have been feeling great with no drugs, things function properly, the less I eat - the less I go, so if I'm heading out for an all day bike ride or hike, I eat less.

*I eat a clean diet, meaning fresh meat, veggies, carbs that I prepare-mostly organic, very little is processed, and not much from a can or box. All that chemical preservative junk is toxic. I don't eat fast food. I do dine out and drink.

Hope this helps someone.