Hi, I am kinda new here. I have mostly just sat in the sidelines reading and getting information, but now I need some advice. I am scheduled for my take down this Friday in Arizona. I am flying in from Denver. My surgery is scheduled as an out-patient surgery and I am giving myself 5 days before I fly back to Denver.
My question is...what should I expect within the first week after surgery. I am a little nervous. Actually, I am terrified. I have had no problems with my first surgery, except for the typically problems with appliances etc...
Can anyone tell me what to expect?
What was it like for you?
Genevra

Outpatient?? How do they do that? Don't they need to make sure that your bowels wake up?

Okay, being terrified is totally mormal. I was in the hospital for two days and it was an easy surgery (I can't believe I just said "easy" and "surgery" in the same sentence.... ). I think most people breeze right through takedown. I would think that given the statistics, that you should be one of them.

kathy

My TD is Friday as well at Johns Hopkins, and they said to expect 3 days in the hospital. Hopefully that's because they just don't want to work the weekend

I was surprised that it was an out-patient surgery as well. I am going to the Mayo Clinic, so I assume that they know what they are doing. That is why I went to them for my surgery. No follow up visit as long as things are ok on my end!!!

I am about a week and a half out from my takedown.

Frankly I probably felt good enough to leave on the same day and could have done without the intravenous pain meds, but I liked the security of knowing I was in the hospital if anything went wrong (I believe the most usual complication is the bowel not waking up so start advancing your diet VERY SLOWLY on your own). I only stayed 2 nights in the hospital.

Things you'll probably deal with in the first week include slight discomfort where your stoma was closed (mine was left open and I just change the dressing 2x a day). The bigger issue will be gas pains and butt burn. Get a good ointment for your bum plus wet wipes or soft tp and use them every time.

It also might be harder for you to get food you should/want to eat at the hotel so bring what you can.

Good luck!

-Kenadi

That doesn't sound right. Although not as major as j-pouch construction - you don't normally just have your small intestines worked on under general anesthesia, get sewed closed and then head on home (or to a hotel) the same day. I would think a minimum of a couple days in the hospital to recover before going home. Like already stated, the odds are that everything will go well and you'll be home in a few days.
Ted.

I had my takedown on Friday, 1/12/07, and I was released the following Monday. I've never heard of having this procedure done on an out-patient basis. As others have mentioned, the biggest post surgery issue is when the bowels "wake-up" and when you can advance your diet and "pass gas".

I had some pain around the wound, which was closed with 6 staples. Bring wet wipes and extra soft tissues with you. I've also used cream for the butt burn.

I'm sure everything will go smoothly but this is still major abdominal surgery. Take your time and listen to your body. Good Luck!

Kevin

Outpatient! How can that be? I would think you will have a ng tube in for the first day and be in at least one more day for observation. I had mine done on a Monday and could have gone home in two days, but they made me stay for 4 days. I don't think I would be comfortable going home the next or same day.Your biggest concern I think would be infection. Good Luck, keep us posted.
Craig

Maybe the insurance, yours is calling it,"out patient". I concur that when you "pass gas", its one more day. Ask questions at the hospital! Does flying, altitude affect healing so early after a surgery? Good Luck...Arthur

I know I will probably get info from my surgeon...but what are the best things to eat right after the take down?

Good Luck on Friday!

Here is a good link to diet, etc

http://ccnt.hsc.usc.edu/colorectal/jpouchguide.htm#diet2

Thanks for the link Keith.

Generva
Yikes - outpatient? I think you'll be very stiff and sore around the belly. Today is Day 6 for me as my TD was on Wednesday (24th). I was on drip morphine for about 30hrs after surgery and it took about 40hrs for my bowels to wake up. Maybe it will happen faster if you're not on morphine, as I understand that slows things down. But when they did start to wake up, it did not feel pleasant as I wasn't sure if I had to poop or barf and did plenty of both one night. I'm sure if I had to travel right now though I could manage.

Take a squirt bottle to wet your toilet paper(dry TP feels like sand paper), then wipe with baby wipes (unscented, no alcohol) and finish with some kind of oitment. I would also recommend getting some 'bladder' pads, in case you have any small accidents while travelling. A cough or sneeze could cause a little unexpected squirt. Also, wear some very loose pants to travel. I'm finding my waist is bulging from gas and I need adjust my waistband when necessary. Even my panty elastic feels tight. Wear big!

Good luck to you and please let us know how the outpatient thing goes. I think we're all rather suprised by the idea in general.

I didn't have an NG tube or cathetar with my TD. I was in and out in 48 hrs. Like mentioned above, I didn't need the IV pain meds and felt I could have gone home- always feels better to be in your own bathroom. The biggest obstacle was the gas pain the next morning- walk walk walk!!!

Food wise, start slow- eat soft foods and avoid a lot of sugary drinks. Some things I ate included mac and cheese, mashed potatoes, yogurt and bananas. I would suggest eating bland at first and gradually introduce foods into your diet.
(I was able to eat cucumber salad by the end of the first week and experienced no problems and was enjoying salad around 2 weeks after)

Be prepared to experience some butt burn and frequency so have the wipes and cream. In my case, it went away within the first week and now occasionally happens with certain foods.

I wish you the best of luck!!!
Let us know how it goes!

I, too, felt good enough after takedown to go home the same day but my doctor had other ideas. No ng tube. No drain. A beautifully stitched former stoma site and really no pain! My doc kept me in the hospital for 6 days while he gradually ordered easing into solid foods. I was glad to stay in the hospital because the hospital I used was more like a resort! Gorgeous views of the Pacific Ocean and a wonderful hospital staff. I spent my time walking, reading, napping, visiting and gradually increasing my oral intake. When I went home I felt wonderful! Oh, one of the positives about leaving the hospital ASAP is that it lessens the chance of infection. We all know that the threat of the spread of infection continues to be a major concern of all hospitals.