Hi-I had my take-down 6/12/08 and thought I would share my experiences so far with the group. Before I had my take-down I really appreciated reading how others did with their take-down-it really helped me and I hope I can do the same for others. Unlike most others-I had a lot of pain post-op-my incision hurt, of course, but I had severe muscle spasms right under my rib cage. I had the surgery Thurs afternoon and fully intended to be running around the halls that evening or for sure the next day-the pain stopped me in my tracks-just trying to reposition myself was almost impossible. They added Valium to relax my muscles and Toradol (anti-inflammatory) in addition to the dilaudid I was receiving. This helped me so much-in fact after I got started on the two new drugs I rarely needed dilaudid. I never had an issue with gas pains-maybe slightly-I attribute this to the fact I have been VERY slow in introducing food. 48 hrs after surgery I had my first bm-and unfortunately, continued every 10 to 15 mins for 12 hrs! It was awful! At that time I had some problems with incontinence. Things slowed down and Sun eve they took my IV out and we planned for me to go home the next day if I could drink ok. I ended up having a lot of output that evening and got quite dehydrated. Mon and most of Tues I was flooded with IV fluids. I went home Tues evening. I am very happy with how I am doing. I get up usually only once during the night-no incontinence. I still am going a lot during the day but that is to be expected. I take 2 immodiums in the am and right before bed. In the afternoon I take a metamucil wafer with lots of water. I still have a very poor appetite but I am sure that will return. I have to use some sort of cream on my bottom with each stool and still it always feels irritated and itchy-I have stuck to a pretty bland diet so far. My thoughts are with Rudolph and Norn who also recently had take-downs (and any others I may have missed!) Thanks you to all who post-although everyones "story" is different, it sure helps to have the information, support and encouragement this site gives!

Sounds a lot like my story. I am glad you are doing better. I like lomital too. It helps with more of the watery stools and you can wait longer before emptying the pouch.

Thanks for sharing your story. I will have my takedown August 6th and I want to be prepared for anything!

Dear Jaa786,

Glad to hear from you, and thank you for your good wishes sent my way and Norn's.

I'm one week post-takedown and cannot believe how much I've improved in the last couple of days. Incredible gas pains initially but they've tapered off. Don't have much of an appetitite yet, but my surgeon brother-in-law (he didn't actually do the surgery of course) assures me that it will return, and in the meantime drink plenty of fluids to stay hydrated.

I don't want to jinx myself, but I'm feeling pretty darn good. The key, I have found, is to stay ahead of the pain, in other words, take the pain meds, rest, drink, walk, and let the body heal. After all, it's entirely new plumbing, right?

I, too, wish everyone well who has recently had takedown, or who is anticipating it.

Good luck, everyone!