Hi,
I am three weeks out from step two of three, jpouch and loop ileo (really bothering my skin). I should be getting my period any day now and wonder if it's ok to use tampons? The day after my surgery I woke up to my period, oh joy!! and used those gigantic maternity pads with the fun disposable hospital underwear.

Also, when is it ok to have intercourse? I didn't have the nerve to ask my surgeon...

Thanks ahead of time!
Les

Hi there -

I'm sure what I'm about the say will be "controversial", but that's life, so here goes:

1) With regards to tampons: before surgery, they were all I ever used. Post surgery, never again. Why? Well, there is a small, very tiny, almost minescule chance that tampons could lead to a fistula. And, I thought that I had one prior to takedown (turned out I didn't, long story) but since then, I figured "why take the chance". Others will say this is bunk, but if you think about it, tampons hold things in place that your body is trying to shed out and I just didn't see any reason to risk it anymore.

2) With regards to sex, my surgeon said to wait six weeks and then use plenty of lubricant. I don't think I was even mentally ready to go there before six weeks, but if you are, more power to you!

Good luck!
Lisa

I always get my period after a surgery , even if it isn't due for weeks! I hate that. I knew it was coming and packed tampons in my bag. I've never thought to ask anyone if they were contrainicated. Good question.
As far as sex....if you feel up to it, more power to ya!
LoriP

Personally, I stopped using them. Many years ago there was the toxic shock scandal associated with them, and I suppose since then, they made them less absorbent. But, the fact that they do draw fluid from the mucosa, and the fact that there was nearby trauma (j-pouch surgery), I do not see the point of adding any risk, even if negligible, to the area.

As far as intercourse goes- 4-6 weeks should be fine. Make sure to just take it slow and easy.

Jan

I had my last surgery March 03. I have never had an issue using tampons EXCEPT I have to change them regularly due to the fact every time I go to the restroom I soil the string and that can make a horrible infection. Pads are so uncomfortable. I returned to having sex within weeks following my surgery. Without complications.
sf

Sex, it might be difficult at first so taking it slow is good advice.

As for tampons, its been 1 year plus since surgeries and I use them every month with no problems. I never used to get heavy bleeding or cramps but occassionaly now since surgery I notice I get it.

Try and see what works for you.

Maybe you could skip out on the tampons for a few cycles. Once you are healed from surgery, you could start using them again.
I don't know if that makes any difference....but...
I didn't bother with tampons for a long time after surgery. (I also didn't get regular periods for a long time after so I didn't need them).
I do use them now when I have a heavy period. (well not now...but when I wasn't pregnant)

Since J-pouch construction in June '06 I have not been able to use a tampon. Once in, it hurts too much and a nodule (that noone seems to feel but me) swells up. Exams are agonizing and sex is a distint memory.
-sara

I have found that since surgery tampons just don't work well for me. they don't seem to stay in the proper place any more and as mentioned by imafoos, when cleaning up after using the washroom I tend to get the string dirty...

Sex wasn't great for me for almost a year after surgery. Luckily my husband was very understanding and was just happy that I was starting to feel better after years of suffering.

Take it slow and use lots of lubricant.

I no longer have a pouch, but I had the opposite happen to me. Before surgery I couldn't use tampons - they hurt too much. I tried different kinds and they always felt painful and like they were going to fall out no matter how far they were actually in. After surgery suddenly I can wear them and never even know they are there. I use them all the time now.