First, I just wanted to thank everyone on this site for all the wonderful advise you've been giving me (I read your posts all the time) for the last few months. I've posted myself a couple of times, and replied to others here and there.

Well, the time has come. I'm going for the TD on Tuesday the 24th, and am scared to death. As I've mentioned in previous posts, I had lots of complications, as most of you have had too.

I recently found that I have an ovarian cyst, to top everything off! My OB/GYN is going to be at the surgery. The issue is that almost every one of the 8 doctors I have consulted with agree that the consistant pain I have is most likely related to adhesions, not neccesarily the cyst, since it is so small.

Bottom line is that I've been in pain for months now after my 1st surgery, and I'm REALLY scared for Tuesday. Knowing all the wonderful things that go along with the "hook-up". Just wanted your wonderful words of wisdom and support. If anyone had problems with adhesions between their surgeries that were dealth with on either their 2nd or 3rd, if you could give your input that would be great.

Thanks so much-wish me luck!!!!!!!!!!!!! The anticipation is killing me.

Laurie,

I wish you the best for your surgery!!! May you have few if any complications and may you eventually be pain-free.

Laurie, it's normal to be nervous and scared. I'm facing takedown in a few months and I feel the same way. I hope surgery goes well, and you have a quick and uneventful recovery.

janna

Hi Laurie -

I just had takedown on Monday, and I too was extremely worried. I honestly didn't mind having "Carl the Crapbag" (that was my stoma); I ate whatever I wanted and learned to deal with the bag. And here I was going to give all that up for another surgery and a new way of life.

While I'm only four days in, I couldn't be happier. Today, it's 6:30 and I've gone to the bathroom maybe 6 times today. I thought I would be going so much more, so am extremely pleased.

I think the key is to kind of expect it to not be perfect, and it won't be, but what you do end up with will be so much better than you ever thought.

Good luck - oh, and this surgery was a cinch compared to my first two. I only used the pain meds the day of surgery. The next day, I didn't push that button once. I think that's why I pooped so quickly (as meds can slow down your bowels waking up).

Lisa

Laurie

Take it one day at a time. You will be fine. It sometimes takes you body a little while to adjust to things, but it will. I have not had problems with adhesions so I can't help you there. All I can do is wish you the all the best and a quick and healthy recovery. Good times are ahead!

Good luck! A couple of things you may want to bring with you for the hospital stay to make the recovery a bit easier:

- Soft TP (the stuff they have there is awful)
- Ilex or Calmoseptine
- Cottonelle flushable wipes
- Some crackers (like Ritz), as when they wanted me to try and eat, looking at that hospital food made me positively nauseous! I stuck to some Ritz crackers and juice.

Let us know how you make out!

Michelle,

Thank you so much. I actually have all those things ready to go-after reading yours (and another) post recently for someone else. The only thing I didnt think of was the crackers! Good idea! Hey, you think I need to bring Depends-they probably will give me a few diapers (never thought I would have to write that in my life)if I ask for them, right?? I guess it's all temporary. Things have to improve, right? I just hope they find out what's causing my pain while their in there. My recovery may be a bit longer,ect because of the exploritory aspect. I keep telling myself-it'll be over soon, it'll be over soon,....

Hope your feeling well being only a month out. You always sound good on your posts. Please tell me it gets easier fairly quickly.

Thanks for the support.