what is normal?

You have an IRA, right, not j-pouch?

This is normal. 8 days is very little. I know it sucks. Your bowel is NOT used to what it's being asked to do and it's normal for it to be pushing food through your system much faster than it typically would. Things WILL improve.

In the meantime, use all your tricks from ileo days for thickening which will help slow the BMs and reduce the urges. Yogurt, oatmeal, cream of rice or cream of wheat, potatoes, pretzels, etc. Make sure you're cleaning yourself gently but thoroughly after BMs (bidet or squirt bottle, pat dry with soft TP, use a barrier cream like Calmoseptine or A&D).

It will get better!

Your surgeon may have said no Imodium during the healing process (they worry about blockages) but you should be able to take some in a few weeks if you need it. I remember my surgeon saying give it 2 or 3 weeks before taking anything and by then I didn't need it.

I'm sure it will slow down on its own in the coming weeks as your body heals and adjusts. Try eating some Metamucil wafers. They work well to bulk things up.