Comments on: Colectomy and J-Pouch Tips

By: Peter Flitcroft

Peter Flitcroft — Mon, 27 Jun 2011 09:25:58 +0000

I have found irrigating my pouch helps enormously in managing my pouch. I don’t suffer from pouchitis. I use a catheter to assist emptying so I don’t get a sore anus. Warm tepid water will flush out the bad bacteria that lead to pouchitis, and I don’t spend forever on the loo.

Good point about drinking lots. I use rehydration drinks as you need to keep your electrolyte balance right. Too much water con have the oposit effect and wash out the salts.

By: Will Taylor

Will Taylor — Mon, 20 Jun 2011 15:16:01 +0000

I had a colectomy & J-pouch in 2008. After 3 years of dealing with anal itching/pain + creams/ointments/lotions + baby wipes + heat rash, etc… I came across what turns out to be a great solution: a washlet. I happened to see one of these at a bath boutique where is was installed in their restrooms. I thought, “Man, this is too easy”. I bought one on eBay (a Toto s300) for ~$600 and installed it myself. (Requires an outlet.) The “soft rear” spray set at highest heat is ideal. You have to move your butt around to get fully cleaned but in a minute or so you need only pat yourself dry and maybe add a bit of Vasoline. These things also have an air dryer which takes a bit of time but feels great. It also has a fan which pulls air through a filter so there’s practically no odor. My wife loves the seat warmer.

To be clear: The itching and pain were driving me crazy. I couldn’t sleep and was distracted during the day. I tried every cream I could find on Google. I used baby wipes and lanolin laced tissues. I was almost ready to get a bottle brush. Then I discovered by accident that a hand-held shower head set to “spray” using as much heat as possible solved the problem. Just bend over and spray until you feel better. The effect lasts. But this is not convenient when you go to the john 8-10 times a day. Finding that washlet was like winning the lottery.

Hope this helps someone out there.

By: Kieth Anderle

Kieth Anderle — Tue, 12 Apr 2011 17:14:08 +0000

I’ve had a j-pouch for 25 years and have experienced some serious rectal pain from skin irritation

I have found that pre-moistened flushable wipes work great in place of toilet paper. (They must be flushable, however, or your sewer system will get plugged up. Also, I have found that moisten toilet paper tends to fall apart and get rather messy) There are many brands out there so look for those sold at Target (called Flushable Moist Wipes) or at Walmart. They are the cheapest. I use them all the time……..even carry a “handfull” in a plastic bag with me when I’m away from home.

For pain relief I use Sween Creme that helps tremendously as an aid in healing. They also make a moisture barrier product that can be applied over the creme. However, I prefer another product for skin protection that is called Critic-Aid Skin Paste made by Coloplast. It is a thick moisture barrier paste and works wonders with severe skin irritation. However, everything I just mentioned may not be easy to find. You’ll have to ask your pharmacist. Even they may not be familiar and will have to order it for you. Target pharmacy can get both for sure. The biggest draw back is they are expensive

If you are desperate with severe rectal pain, the wipes with the creme and paste work wonders. A thick, constantly applied coat of the Critic-Aid, applied over clean skin, gives your body the time to heal any and all irritations you are dealing with.

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By: Julie Quinnell

Julie Quinnell — Wed, 17 Mar 2010 12:32:59 +0000

Great input! I have found a simple solution to tomato sauce, etc. Just add a little pinch of baking soda to it and you will be fine! Another perk is that my non-j-pouch husband does not get indigestion from the sauces with baking soda.