I had my takedown on wednesday and was sent home on saturday afternoon. Probably woulda left on friday buty they wanted to observe me because my bilirubin went up and I got really jaundiced. After two days at home, my pain is kinda bad. My doctor prescrubed darvon, rather than lortab, because of my increased bilirubin. I had lortabs for my first two surgeries, and darvon doesn't effectively control my pain. The told me to call them if the darvon didn't work well, so I'll call them tomorrow. Also, the gas pain on thursday night and friday was terrible. I was so relieved when it finally came out.
I have some concerns. Since friday, I average 5-6 BMs per day and 1-2 at night. I haven't got my appetite back yet so I eat small breakfasts, lunches, and dinners with snacks in between. I took your advice and I hold it for a while before I have a BM. I'm scared that something maybe wrong because BMs are supposed to be numerous now and decrease over the next 4-6 months. Don't get me wrong, I'm happy with only 5-6 BMs/day with 1-2 at night but I'm still worried. Is there a certain amount of time after surgery for my intestines to completely wake up and cause the normal 10-12 BMs? I think I have good BMs. My stool is dark brown, kind of runny with lumps. I sit on the toilet and relax and it kinda runs out on its own. I wait and try to let the entire pouch empty. I've been on a bland diet and the BB is not so bad right now. Also, I can feel them at night as the urge to go wakes me up.
Am I paranoid, or should I really be concerned? Have my BMs not gotten as frequent as they'll get before the start tapering off? Or, should I just shut up and be thankful that it's not worse? Any advice would be appreciated. Thanks.

Jason,

I am so glad your surgery was a success! No advice on the BM's - I have not had takedown yet.

Jeannie

Jason,

Glad things went good for you. Everybody is different with the BM's and my experience was I did have less the first week after being sent home and then I really started going for the next month (15 to 25 times) or so with painfull watery stools. Then after a month I started to get significant improvement. More like 12 - 15 times a day. Unfortunately I still go that much most days. Starting to have better days with frequency and irritation is down quite significantly (BB and itchiness). I saw my surgeon last week and he doesn't seem to concerned with the frequency since I have no pain, cramping, blood or problems with holding it. Its just everybody is different. You might find you stay at this level which would be great, you'll save alot of problems with irritation.

Well hope you continue to do well and I hope the pain you are having passes quickly. You see I may go alot but I never had one iota of pain from surgery or gas...Thank God. So you just never know

I think if I can remember my 1st couple weeks I go 8-10 during the day and 2x at night. Just have your creams (calmoseptine) ready when you start going more frequent.

Rectal cancer 2/06

Jason,
I had my take down 6-5-07, was home 6-07-07. My symptoms sound similiar to yours. I have alot of pain right now on darvocet every 4 hours. I was surprised I did not think the pain would be so intense for TD. I am having few BM's, very watery as you mention.
My new concern is my ostomy site is an open wound left to heal on it's own, no stitches. It looks like it might be getting infected, ouch! So I am placing a call to my surgeon too.

JD - I had about 8 bms in 24 hours the first week after td like you. Now 4 months later average about 4 bms in 24 hours. I think you'll be like me - sounds like you just have a well-functioning j-pouch and should be happy - I'm guessing you'll be going to the bathroom much less than 6-8 times in 24 hours in a few months! Congrats on your takedown!!

I was just thinking this afternoon I was going to look for a post from you and if there wasn't one I would PM you! I'm so glad you are doing so well. I had absolutely horrible gas pain after takedown. Especially the 2nd and 3rd days, while still in the hospital. That was the worst. If the pain meds aren't working definately ask for something else. I have good luck with Vicoden. Remember to chew really well, and drink lots of water! Remember...not much going in...not much will come out. Hope you keep feeling better everyday!

Thanks for all of your support.

Jason,

Welcome home!!!!! I'm glad that things have gone better for you this time around. Your BM's are probably lower now because you aren't eating as much as normal yet and because you're taking pain meds-which slow you down.

You'll probably notice an increase in BM's when you resume a closer to normal diet and activity level and are taken off the pain meds. But I dont' think you have anything to worry about with your frequency.

Rick