Hello, My name is David. I had UC and had a total colectomy 2 July 2006. Almost didn't make it. I had j-pouch construction on 30 Oct 2006 and have had a loop ileostomy ever since. I am leaving tomorrow, 3/25/2007, for Dallas to get it dropped. I kind of know what to expect, but I guess it helps to hear it from people who have been there. I'm a bit nervous about control. How quickly will I have it. We fly to Dallas for the surgery. It takes about an hour and a half plus all the waiting around, so lets just say 3-4 hours of travel. What should I expect? How long should I expect to be out of work? I work with the public, usually one on one. I'm 45, just got m world a bit more reasonable and here we go again. Any help is appreciated. Thanks. David

Hi David:
Most people have a relatively quick recovery from the take-down (2-5) days in hospital. Most have "control" from the start with some "leakage" during sleep. If all goes well, you will likely be feeling well enough to return to work in a few weeks. I guess return to work will depend on "frequency" and bathroom access at work. Best of luck!
jim

I felt great immediately after takedown. There was no comparison to the first step! I guess it would be too easy to do too much at first. Take it a little easy at first and just get used to the new signals your body is sending to you when it needs to visit the bathroom! That, in itself, is a fascinating journey of discovery! You will do fine! Best wishes!

I was back to work in a week - 5 weeks post takedown now and feel pretty much the same as i did prior to UC. I loved getting rid of the bag and life is awesome now. Good chance that you'll look back at takedown as one of the best days of your life - I do!

Hi David,
My takedown was easy peasy. I was home after 2 days. Other than gas pains, sore bottom and lots of running to the loo for about a week or so, I've had no problems. I never had a leak, but then I still don't dare try to fart unless I'm on the throne . I love my pouch! I hope you'll have as easy a time of it as I have. Bring the following to the hospital: cream like Calmoseptine/Ilex (use it straight away so you nip any soreness in the bud), soft toilet paper and gentle wet wipes. Expect to have loose BMs, but these will improve. I started taking probiotics pretty soon after takedown I think, and these helped reduce my gas immensely. I also take psyllium (same as metamucil), but I didn't start this till about 2 months after takedown. Good luck! I'm sure you'll be just fine

Thanks everyone. This really helps. We are leaving for the airport now. I'll let you know how it goes.
David