I am 3 days post-op of stage 1 of 2 and have started my period with the catheter still "installed". Were you able to use tampons? Planning on asking the surgeon what is safe with my shiny new j-pouch when he does rounds this am, but in the meantime...what is your experience?

I couldn't and still can't. Uncomfortable (the angle sometimes shifts a bit). This is SOOOO common post-op! I just used those oh-so-sexy humungo pads and mesh panty-things they have. At least the morphine generally means no cramping!

Gin

I wasn't allowed to use tampons after step 2 of 3, but I had so much mucous leakage from my behind that the enormous pads came in handy anyway.

Well, after all the worry, no big deal. The surgeon on call that day, said I could use tampons, and so I did. The only issue was the logistics of navigating with the catheter, which was fortunately removed a few hours later. Haven't had any issues with rectal leakage. Whew!