Well I had my takedown surgery just over a month ago and feel better than I did before surgery. I don't take any medications, I only eat (2) Metemucil Wafers in the morning and then I eat whatever I want, whenever I want. I have been running since week #2. I went to a concert without hesitation and for once in my life I am not concerned where every bathroom is when I am out.

I know there are people with issues here but when it is all said and done I am thrilled to death that I had this surgery no more cancer or uc......Good Luck !!!

Sarah,

there is a big learning curve when you have jpouch surgery- learning what foods work for you and which medications work...and it can take time to adjust to new plumbing... sometimes people come to this site to vent or ask advice during these bad times, but that doesn't mean they did not/will not overcome those obstacles and go on to live full and happy lives. this site is a wonderful resource but i think it gives the false impression that a lot of jpouchers are doomed and unhappy when really we're just getting through the rough patches.

things did not turn out the way i expected after jpouch surgery. i might have crohns instead of colitis and i take some medications. honestly, i've had some nasty complications and little surgeries. i'm still happy i went through with the jpoouch surgery. im happier with the pouch than the ostomy. im happier with the pouch than a colon that was ready to fall apart. im happy that i don't take prednisone anymore! things are not ideal and perfect but i've had more good days than bad. i've been able to travel, eat yummy foods again, and go out with my friends again. some days i have pain and some days i feel sorry for myself..that is when i come to this site. it doesn't mean i consider my quality of life to be poor at all. i love my life.

Dear Sarah,

I had my takedown 6 weeks ago and I feel FANTASTIC!!! I eat what I want and do what I want. I take Imodium (3 in the morning, 3 mid-afternoon, 3 at bedtime) and have about 6 bathroom trips a day. I have great control and can hold it for pretty much as long as I want. No pain, no problems, no worries.

I am THRILLED that I had the surgery and reclaimed my life.

LIFE IS WONDERFUL!!!

I hope this helps. It's all absolutely true.

(For about a week after my takedown, I had a lot of gas, which was uncomfortable, but it settled down quickly and hasn't been a problem. That was the only complaint I had following my takedown. In other words, no big deal!)

I wish you an easy surgery, a quick recovery, restored good health, and a fantastic life to come.

Thank you, thank you, thank you for all of the support and encouragement you have all sent my way. I feel excited and blessed to have the opprtunity to fully restore my health through having my jpouch.
I will keep you posted on my recovery.
Sarah

I will tell you that it is not perfect. But a pouch is so much better than a bag. You have a life again. You will be able to hold it and go to the bathroom when it is convienent for you. I am very happy with the results and I wish you success.

Check out my responce to another thread called"Problems with JPouch?" Go for it.

Sarah,

I read on another post by you that Dr. Vogel is performing your surgery on August 6th at CCF. My husband is also having surgery performed by Dr. Vogel on August 6th. The plan is to try to reconnect the colon. He won't necessiarly need the pouch. Won't really know anything until they get in there. We don't have a surgery time yet. We go on Tuesday for all pre-op workup and will get the time then. We are also getting very nervous and uptight. (especially after his initial ordeal with his first surgery this past winter.)

You will be in our thoughts and prayers for that day and beyond. Who knows maybe we will see each other on H50 afterwards.

Good Luck!

Good luck to you. Im two weeks post op from a one step procedure. Yes, there are many scary reports here and I too was searching for the "norm" when I looked at posts.
I had very little pain throughout (epidural), am off pain killers at home and, though it hasnt been a walk in the park, for the most part everything seems to have gone as planned.
good luck

ddinohio-we are leaving today (the 5th)for all of my preop testing too. I really hope we don't have to do a colon prep! My husband will be there with me. Maybe we will run into each other. Our apt is at 3 for blood draws and 4 with Vogel. I have short brown hair and and my husband is over 6 feet. I will be thinking of you too! Oh, my surgery time is check in at 6am. Good luck!!!

I raise my hand for a good report. The first few months were come see come saw but now at 8yr's its great, I can do anything I want to just as I did with the colon when it wasn't acting up.

Hi! I was just wondering how the story turned out? Did everything work out okay? Please let me know!
Thanks!

This thread makes me feel a lot better going into surgery. It kind of ways on the psyche seeing all the horror stories around here. This thread is a nice change.

Another great story here! take down 8 weeks ago. Only 2-4 bm a day, eat whatever I want, sleept through the night, no butt burn if I use a little Ilex now and then. Overall, I am thrilled w/ my quality of life. With UC I had absolutely none. At first I did not want the surgery, but I was so sick for so long finally I couldn't wait to have it. I went in not knowing if I would have a colostomy or a perm ileo for surgery #1 (had to have the 3 step b/c of how sick prednisone had made me).

Sarah, you are so close. Hang in there - The odds are greatly in your favor that you, too, will be a success story.

Hi Sarah
All's well with me 4yrs after TD. J-pouch is one decision I never regret. Cheers

I can understand your fears and need for hope going into this. I felt the same way. But try to have tolerance for people that are going through difficult times as well. Hopefully we can all feel welcome to explore feelings that come up whether they be positive or negative. Best of luck to you!