Take down was fine for me too. The biggest thing was the fear itself, fear that you wouldn't be continent, not knowing how strong your bum would be.

I wore pads for about 9 months, and one day realised I didn't need them anymore.

I go about 10 times a day, without immodium, but I can get that down to 6 at best.

You'll soon learn that diet and sleep are very influential.

Lettuce goes right through some people
Rice is great
dried apricots can set a speed record, but good if you need a 'clearout'
the best thing is lots of sleep and lots of fresh fruit - not only good for you but makes passing BMs easier, less strain, etc

I had bad 'butt burn' for about the first year as the stool is highly acidic, but one day you realise that it's gone.

My top two tips:

1. Carry non alcohol baby wipes always. Clean your bum thoroughly with them. Dry toilet paper is rarely good enough. If there is any residue (esp in first year) it'll burn your skin.

2. Never eat peanuts after 9pm. Otherwise they may make a surprise reappearance.

Ultimately, better than a bag, better than UC, but not a perfect solution.

I must say this is my first time posting on here. I have been reading the site for almost two years now. I had my first surgery in March 2007 and I had my takedown in April 2008. I have to say that the takedown was much easier than I expected. I will be honest, the first week was not fun but once the gas pains went away I was fine. You never would have known that I had just had surgery. Going to the bathroom was not big deal for me because even with my illeostomy I was passing stuff on a daily basis. I had some leakage at first but that has pretty much stopped unless I sleep hard and long. I try to take a couple of immodiums in the afternoons to help. Especially if I have evening plans. While you are on pain meds though, it should help with the frequency and consistency. The results of my surgery are great, I wish I would have done it sooner. It is a hard long road to go down, but in the end it is worth it for me.

Takedown was fine (Monday June 16) and I came home today (Thursday June 20). My only complaint is all the gas! Good grief that can hurt, but it does, in fact, pass, and my surgeon says that it will go away.

Thanks to everyone for your help in getting me ready for the takedown, and through it!

Hi Rudolph, great to hear you're home already, The gas does get better; it's painful right after TD, I remember. Herbal tea has always helped me a lot when I get wind. The best ones are mint, fennel and chamomile. I think it's the combination of the actual properties of the herbs and the warm liquid that works so well. I haen't been able to find a tablet or medication that works as well.