2. Frequency
The patient is able to discuss measures to allow for Pouch adaptation.
The "average" person at six months following the pelvic pouch procedure has between 4-6 movements a day. However, everyone's experience is different. There is a period of adaptation with the pelvic pouch. The pouch has to learn to expand and hold stool and this takes time.
Suggestions to help for pouch adaptation:
- Not responding to every urge to have a movement. Deep breathing, tightening the sphincter muscle and allowing the sensation to disappear may help.
- Dietary changes may help to decrease the number of stools. Foods such as applesauce, bananas, rice, creamy peanut butter, potatoes, cheese, marshmallows, pretzels, toast, yogurt and tapioca pudding are examples foods which have been found to help decrease the water content of the stool.
- Limiting the intake of fried and fatty foods, milk/milk products, spices, rich sauces with tomato base, sugars, caffeine beverages, raw fruits and vegetables may also help.
- Bulking agents such as Metamucil™, Prodium™, Citricel™, Fibercon™, or Konsyl™ also help bulk or thicken the stool. These products are taken with little fluid to allow the extra fluid in the gastrointestinal tract to be absorbed. They can be taken up to three times daily. They should only be used with the approval of the surgeon or gastroenterologist.
- Medications such as Lomotil™ or Imodium™ are also sometimes prescribed to slow down the frequency of movements. They should only be used with the approval of the surgeon or gastroenterologist.