My Son had his Takedown on wednesday July 23. He had his first bowel movement yesterday morning. He has had alot of bowel movements but is unable to get rid of the gas? We have him walking, drinking without a straw. We just started giving him probiotics which the surgeon told us will help. His belly is alittle distended thats why we won't be going home tomorrow but Tuesday. The surgeon said there is alot of gas in the pouch itself? He won't chew gum which we have tryed. How long will this last? He is in extreme pain when he gets up to walk.

Liquids and solids sink; gas rises. That's why he can be passing stool but still have gas stuck in there. You might try raising his bottom above his top--with a bed wedge, yoga pose, or just kneeling with his chest to his knees.

Chewing gum is a great idea for ileus but a terrible idea for gas. It contributes a lot of swallowed air, which will only make things worse.

For me, it lasted about a week and a half. I tried everything (including the yoga contortions!), so I don't think there's really any way around it. Gas-X may be worth a shot; I didn't take it until the gas was just about gone anyway, so I can't really say whether it would have worked earlier.

Hope he feels better soon!

Hi.. I had my takedown on July 22. I had horrible gas too. I truly didn't expect it to be as bad as it was. It hurt more than the incision, by a landslide. Anyway, all I can suggest is walk, walk, walk. I know how painful it is, trying to walk in the hospital for me was very slow and torturous. Eventually, the severe pain subsided (I noticed a marked difference on Saturday) - I still have little bouts of it but not nearly as bad as it was in the hospital. I asked my surgeon about GasX and he said he would give it to me but it really wouldn't work. So, I haven't taken anything for it.. I just keep walking more and more everyday and everyday it gets better. I hope your son gets some relief soon

Well last night my son learned how to FART. He was released today

Hi Bill,

Pleased that your son has turned a corner. I had my takedown last week. I was told that I would have a lot of gas for a while and in fact in the first few days it is a good sign, it means that the guts have woken up and the small intenstine has started to do it's job.

So in the ealry day see gas a s good thing albiet very painful.

I agree with the walking idea. This gets this system working and brings up gas, it can also help prevent other issues such as adhesions etc by jigging the bowels around. Mobility is very important.

I hope your son's life turns out the better for having a j-pouch, it should, but it seems it is a long and painful road sometimes.

I just found this site today! So happy that there is support out there. My husband had surgery this past Tuesday. Felt terrific until this morning. He has moved his bowels and passed gas but now the gas pain is really bad. It reminds him of the first suregery which kept him in hte hospital for 14 days, sue to complications. The gas reminds him of UC symptoms. I will get him up to walk and will stay away from gum. Darvocet helped some but not much. Any other hints?

Have your husband try various positions to help the gas exit. Tummy lying....butt up in the air....lying on one side or the other with knees pulled up to chest.....sitting on toilet and coughing hard.....standing in shower with hand held shower spray aimed right up the anal opening while he relaxes as much as possible. Not all of these ideas are neat and clean so be prepared with underpads, liners, etc. and spray cleanser for the shower stall! Best wishes!