i am 16 and i jut had the first of 3 surgeries for the jpouch on september 15 and i already am becoming extremely depressed and ive delt with depression before but i just need to know what to do

The important thing to do is talk to someone about how you are feeling. Preferably a professional. It's normal to feel this way after such major surgery and you are still facing more. You are very young to have to go thru all this...have you told your parents how you are feeling?

just my father and he understands because he felt the same way after his heart surgery and i plan on telling my mom when i see her but who do i talk to for help from a professional i know this depression thing is only temporary but i just need things to do to deal with it because i am unable to go to school which only makes me more depressed

Positive attitude jimmyclay. as was noted, tough hand you have been dealt to deal with this at your young age but try to be positive. Find support group(s), find a professional to talk with about how you feel. A positive attitude about things will carry you a long way.

Just talking with people on these support sites hopefully can help you feel better too. Just know you are not alone...I felt very depressed after my surgery. I would have panic attacks too. It all passed after the surgeries were finished and I got on with my life. This effects us all, at any age. I would be good if your parents can set up an appt. for you to talk with someone professional. Grab a good friend's ear too and talk...that helped me at the time as well. Hang in there!

Many many many of us, myself included, had to resort to a short term treatment with antidepressants following this surgery. This is normal. Please don't hesitate to talk with someone and seek and Rx if recommended.

Sue

Hey Jimmy,

You took a very big, positive first step by sharing your feelings with others who have gone through the same surgery.
I can relate to being depressed. In addition to being depressed, I was also very angy, why is this happening to me? I was 18 when I got sick with UC. When all my friends were out doing "normal" teenager things, I was sick, running between my bed and going to the bathroom. I eventually needed surgery for a J Pouch. I had 3 surgeries as well.
What helped me get through it all was to focus on what I was going to do with my life once I was feeling better. I remember spending hours looking out the window of my hospital room dreaming of the day when I was healed and able to do "normal" things.
Your job now is to get your strength up for the next two surgeries. Now that step one is done, you should start to feel a little bit better. Watch some tv, play video games, and use the computer to help take your mind off your worries. And don't forget to eat lots and put on some weight. In time, things will get better.

Hi Jimmy...
It is very normal to be depressed after this huge surgery. Talk to your doctor about it. This is just a blip on the screen of your life. I look back and can't believe it's been 5 years since my surgeries. Brighter days are ahead!

Hi Jimmy,

In addition to all the good advice everyone's been giving you maybe you could go to an ostomy support group meeting or two. Talking with others dealing with ostomies would be great as they know what you are going through. Most hospitals sponsor these support groups, ask your ostomy nurse if there are any in your area.

Some people just don't understand, that have not gone through this, how you feel. They want to but it's hard - especially people your age.

It's only been a week, I was in the hospital 15 days with my 1st surgery and I too was depressed.

Please let us know how you are doing and if you have any more questions.

Thank you everyone i plan to get into a support group ASAP and i already am having a more positive outlook. What this site does for people with ostomies is incredible i cant wait to be able to help people after my surguries are done

Hi Jimmy,
You sound a lot better. It's a long road but it's going to be worth it. I'm so glad you are feeling better. Please keep us posted.

Hi Jimmy,
You are definitely not alone, as I am sure you can see by all the replies to your post. I also suffered from depression after my surgeries. For me, a lot of it was withdraw from all the narcotics. After taking pain meds for 2 years on a regular basis, my body shouted out a big "NO!" as soon as I started tapering off them. I am not sure if the same is true for you, but it may be a contributing factor.
Also, remember that you have been through a lot! The typical 16-year-old has worries about things like homework, sports, love-life, etc. That alone is enough to make your head spin, let alone living with a chronic disease. I hope that you can take all of what you have been through and turn it into something positive. I know it is easier said than done, but try to focus on the simple things in life that you can appreciate and make you happy. Go for a nice walk on a sunny day, or call a friend to joke around with. If everything does "happen for a reason" then maybe the "reason" we all have gone through all of this is because we now have a chance to get a new outlook on life!
Remember, reality is yours, it's what you decide. And I hope that soon you will be on your way to a healthier and happier life!
Take care And that does to ALL of you J-pouchers out there <3

Jimmy, it's a rough road, no doubt about it. Life with a pouch is ups and downs. Just telling it like it is. I pray your pouch treats you better than mine.

Fred's back.

Regarding antidepressants (should you choose to take them) - one size/type does not fit all. If you don't see relief, ask your doctor to try another.

You're having to deal with being a teenager AND this surgery. That's enough to bring anyone to their knees.

Please let us know how you're doing.

kathy

well its been 12 days since my surgery and i dont know if its denial but i actually am extremely happy and i heard this is not normal so i am expecting it to not last long but i feel great i actually can hang out with my friends now i used to have to leave all the time and eventually i just gave up but now i can be more than 10 ft from a bathroom . Gotta love the simple things