New j pouch...struggling

Unfortunatey this is normal so close after takedown as your body is adjusting. Just think about all it's been thru. Now it has to learn its new plumbing.

Now I had similar things happen right after takedown as to what you are describing and it turned out to be an anal stricture. I would feel like I had to go, then only a little would come out and I would sit there straining like crazy. This would happen all day long. My insides made crazy noises and then all of a sudden some poo would leak out(this happened mostly at night). Once I went and got the stricture dilated, I felt so much better and all that stopped. I had to go a total of 5 times before it finally stayed open.

If you have a follow up appt coming up, it's worth inquiring about...it's an easy fix.

It does get better. It takes time. Be patient. New job for the pouch. Keep hydrated. Try not to strain. It is not good for you.

Hey there Randi:
It will get better. The BB is bad and that is why I chose to get the bidet. It really helps alot. No wiping and it dries you. Very helpful.If you don't have a bidet try a squirt bottle then take a baby wipe and just dap at your tush so you don't irritate it further. Then put on some good butt cream, you may have to try a few before you find what works for you. For me I use Prep. H ointment. I had small accidents too before I could make it to the bathroom. To really empty my pouch I have to lean way back on the toilet and push the poop out. It has gotten better with time. I have heard alot of people on this site have to get in strange positions to get it to come out. Give it time, you will figure out how yours works. Keep us posted on your progress.

Hi there
this is very normal but if I may, try not to strain so much as u will literaly exhaust the muscles down below, just let gravity do its job and this will assist you
in passing the stool
you see at the moment your body will try to pass the stool and gas at the same time the trick is to try to gauge which is which this will take some time but evetually you will be able to tell the difference. Heres is a technique that I figured out, try this lie on you back ok and bring your kness up to your chest the next time you have to go to the toilet( obviously do it in a private place like on the bed ) and gently go through the normal motion I gurantee nine times out of ten its gas trying to get out if you do this, especially in the early stages it will limit the number of bathroom visits and ultimately the burning and irriattion down below. I still have problems with irritation but please be patient and it will get easier I now that its very hard but its all about adjusting also try to hold it a little bit longer every couple of days as this will increase the elasticity of the pouch
Kind Regards
Barry Walshe

It gets better. It gets better. It gets better!

Part of what you are feeling as "full" is probably irritation of straining and/or healing.

As far as skin irritation/butt burn. Get in the shower with a nice hot spray (hose, if possible) and spray directly into gently spread checks. Gently pat dry. Apply ointment (Calmoseptine is awesome!).

No gas pains??!! I am so jealous! I had horrible gas pains and had to do the Lamaze breathing while standing VERY still.

It will get better. Really. In time.