Hi to all. I guess I have some of the same questions as Suze does... but I am totally ready to get rid of my bag. I am wondering what to expect post op (my first surgery was a nightmare) I understand this one is pretty easy, a few stitches here and there and done. Hospital stay until things are coming out ok.... 2-3 days. How fast can you get up and moving, eating that kind of thing. Are you as tired as after the first one for weeks and weeks, or is it easier becaue the surgery isn't major this time? We have a trip planned the following friday, I am still really hoping to go, sit by a pool and recover in the sun (Seattle doesn't get much of that this time of year). Looking at the walls around home just makes me realize that the ceilings need vacuuming and such... Also, I have been getting great tips by using the search button, but what items are must haves for post takedown. I also am inconsistant with my bag, some days totally watery even though I am taking like 10 imodium a day, some days really thick? Does that change after takedown? I empty my bag whenever I pee, which is often since I am drinking so much all day, so I have no idea how many actual bm's I have a day, I can't stand having anything in the bag at all, the pulling drives me nuts. Sorry to be rambling, I am nervous for the surgery and so excited to get going on with this new direction of life. It is already so much better than before with UC.

Thanks for all of your help

Kristi

Uhm, how far are you planning on traveling? While this surgery is much less extensive than the first one, it is still considered major surgery. With that in mind, I would say that while it's possible you may be well enough to travel a short distance, I wouldn't make any non-refundable deposits on anything. There are too many variables. Some people are discharged in 1-3 days; others don't get out for a week or more. The average is maybe 5 days; and the slightest complication can delay you--ileus, infection, etc. When my son went in for his TD, I had hoped to make it to a class reunion the following week. But he got a wound infection and ended up not getting out for two weeks.

Then there's the inevitable adjustment period you will be going through with the pouch. How difficult that may be for you is anybody's guess. My son was able to start school three weeks after being discharged--and we thought that was pretty good. But I sure wouldn't be totally committed to going on a trip 8 days after major surgery.

Kristi: I agree with Connie. I had my
TD surgery in January of this year and I was in the hospital for three days, which I believe is about the average. After a week at home I developed a wound infection, which resulted in me being re-admitted for another week.

The surgery is much easier than the first but it is still significant surgery. While you might be able to travel I'm not sure I'd recommed it. I can only give you my opinion but I wasn't ready to travel. You'll likely have a minimum of 6-10 BMs per day. There is an adjustment period.

Kevin

Thanks for all the thoughts. I know it is still a big surgery, and it is an adjustment.... I still plan on playing it by ear, seeing how I am doing. As for the 8-10 times a day, I never let that get in the way when I had UC. I went camping, fishing, whatever, I just drug around my kids port a pottie! Life doesn't stop just because you have to GO a zillion times a day. I would have missed an entire summer last year with my worst attack ever.
Kristi

It is an easier surgery, but it does come with its own issues and recovery time. I am sure you have read all about the butt burn. I had a lot of problems with control and urgency for the first month or so until my body adjusted to things. It will take you some time to get your energy back, but you should be up and moving around in the hospital rather quickly. My surgeon actually let my husband wheel me outside for a bit on day 2.
Best of luck to you.