Ok this is a moan...I'm fed up, got my takedown to come in December but I'm dreading it, the thought of things maybe not working and ending up with more surgery. I can't see any future and I can't imagine ever being well again. I've struggled so much the past 7 months since my first surgery to make the j pouch etc, my output is constantly really high. Apart from the fact the UC pain has gone I don't feel any better at all from before I had the surgery. I'm constantly tired, dehydrated etc and in and out of hospital for fluids.

I just can't cope anymore, and although I wouldn't be silly enough to do anything stupid, I would rather not be living, than living right now!

I am so sorry that you are going through this...I just hope that once you have your takedown you will finally feel better.
Sharon

It will get better. Try imodium to slow output and special k cereal

It's the most difficult thing I've ever gone through in my life. I still had UC like pain after takdown and throught why???? The amazing thing is I've gotten better slowly but can see improvements monthly.

It's taken it's toll on me mentally, not just physically. I'm on several medications for depression and anxiety. I'm seeing a wonderful therapist who is helpg me work through all this experience and the ones leading up to it caused my depression and PTSD.

WE HAVE NOT GONE THROUGH ALL OF THIS TO GIVE UP NOW. WE ARE GOING TO BE HEALTY AGAIN! I'm thinking better than 15 years ago and that's pretty optomistic for a grandma.

It was really hard to go to theraphy but when both my Internist and my case manager for my insurance company told me to go I figured I'd suck it up and go. I'm glad I'm going.

Sorry to hear. I feel like that too. Its a moment by moment struggle. Really. And for me its mental a lot as I AM feeling better (so theres hope...???) but I totally still get the not wanting to be here at times. Hope you find a way through. For me its totally been knowing that God's in it with me and something good will come of it (although I have to say I wonder about the when because for all the struggles...its just hard)

Thank you everyone...

magic30 when going through the first surgery in April I totally trusted in God but thats slipping away at the moment. Just like you said you found it hard.

Most people (including myself) struggle with some kind of depression with major medical problems. Its definitely easier sometimes to think of giving up rather than fighting on. But, fighting is better! And that's one of the reasons we all come here, to help each other on. Hang in there, get some counseling if you can (it can help!). Remember you're not alone!

wotsit57, keep your chin up. You can get through this. I have had UC for over 25 yrs got it when I was prego with my first son, it was awful. On prednisone constantly. Had another son 3.5 yrs later who was born with multiple birth defects, UC way out of control by then. Lots of Stress. Finally things calmed down, been in remission for years, then find out I have low grade dysplasia in my rectum so whole colon needs to come out. I am thinking why me haven't I been thru enough. Then I think so many people go thru worse so my situation isn't too bad. I will be alive with no colon cancer. You can get thru this....keep posting on this site and let us all help you, we are all here for the same reasons. Take care and prayers being sent your way.

I had very high ouput from my ostomy but once it was reversed that all changed. Please don't judge your ostomy as to how your pouch will work.

Thanks for your post allykat, I'm going through EXACTLY the same stuff as wotsit. I'm now having to do fluids at home everyday through a picc line. I take 6 metamusil packets daily, 6 lomtils, and 6 lompermaids. None of it has slowed down my output and I'm supposed to have my take down this month and so worried about how the output will be afterward.

Sorry things look so bleak for you. Try to stay positive and lean on any of us for support.

There are things you can do to slow output as well, nexium, dicyclomine are a couple of drugs.

Psyllium in powder or tablet form can work too. And try to get in the habit of carrying a bottle of water with you. As a runner that was a habit I already had so it was a bit easier for me.

I was worried about dehydration and all during my ostomy time but after takedown things were not as bad, I didn't have all that output.

Lomotil, immodium. ceraltye 75 or 90, rice, applesauce, banana, and metamucile fiber crackers. ceralyte works way better than vitalyte. One day at a time!!!

Additional suggestions to the above:

NUUN electrolyte replacement tablets you put in water,order on-line,reasonable cost - plus good flavors

Rice Krispie treats are good as have marshmellow in them and taste good - better than plain marshmellows.

Hope you are feeling better.

no sugar, not hot liquids - like coffee or soup, BENEFIBER... way better than metamucil, etc.. NEXIUM.. as someone else said. Time all of the medicines appropriately for before you eat. Eat small meals 5 or 6 times a day. No drinking with a meal. Small sips of WHO solution throughout the day. No plain water, ever. It is controllable. Believe me. I had one of the worst high output ileostomies ever, many many trips to hospital for dehydration, home IVs, you name it. But I finally found a doc who figured out a plan and it works.