Hi I am a first time post. I just had step 2 of my j-pouch last Thursday. I am having the 3 steps.
I'm still in the hospital.

The problem is I can't get out of the hospital because I am feeling sick in my stomach and I was throwing up. I'm not getting much coming out of my ostomy bag.

The doctors took a X-Ray last night and they said everything was fine. That my bowels are still having time to adjust.

What is upsetting is I had step 1 done 3 months ago with hardly any issues. I was out of the hospital in 4 days.

My question is is step 2 harder than step 1 (This is for the people who had 3 steps?)
How long will it take for my bowels to move normally.

I am a little anxious and scarred. I feel like there is no end.

Thanks.

Firstly, welcome to the group!

Hang in there, it will get better. I had a 2 step in 2004 and my first step was horrendous - complications up the ying-yang and long multiple stays in the hospital. So, when I went in for my takedown I was terrified of a repeat experience but it went off without a hitch and I recovered very quickly. So, you can't really judge what one operation will be like based on a previous operation.

Do remember that its a big operation and its not unusual to be in the hospital for a week. Also, its a big shock so sometimes it can take a while for things to get going. Your bowels seem to be taking a bit longer than the average but its nothing to be overly concerned about as long as your scan was showed no problems. The best thing you can do is to try and relax and rest. Remember to go for some gentle walks to try and get things moving.

I know its difficult but try not to be scared, and you can always come here and ask questions, vent, whatever.

Take care of yourself,

Suzanne

Thank you for the advice. It is weird since the first one went well.

My main complications are slow moving bowels and some nausia.

I'm just wondering why my bowels are moving so slow since I already had a ostomy created.

Thanks

It's called an ileus. And it's just one of those little complications that sometimes occurs. But it DOES go away. Really. As Suzanne said, it doesn't mean that your next operation will be difficult. It could or it couldn't. And chances are it will be just fine.

Another thing you could ask your doctor is if it's okay to chew gum. That will sometimes stimulate bowel action.

I had a 3-step and the 1st step was the horrendous one. It's all a crap-shoot so to speak. But you'll get out of there - don't worry.

kathy

Thanks again. That's what they mentioned last night an illeus. It's been about a week that's why I was worried. They might have to put a small tube down my nose to my stomach to wake it up but we'll see.

I am feeling a better since yesterday so we'll see .

You're right it does take awhile maybe to heal.

It is common for people to assume that the j-pouch surgery will be a piece of cake when they had such an easy time following the colectomy. However, the colectomy is actually a very simple procedure, with very little manipulation of the small bowel. The j-pouch surgery (your step 2) is very, very major. More major than coronary bypass surgery, at least as far as recovery goes. There is a great deal of manipulation of the intestines, and that is a primary reason for prolonged post operative paralytic ileus (where the intestines just won't "wake up"). Sometimes it takes weeks. What you can do is keep moving. You may also want to ask if they have been monitoring your potassium levels. Low potassium can cause or prolong an ileus.

Jan

Thanks Jan. Good luck with your procedures. I am feeling a bit better since yesterday. I think my potassium levels are fine but I will check.
I thought this step would be a cake walk since people on this site said Step 1 was easy but I guess not.

We'll see how step 3 goes.


Take a deep breath and relax; this too will pass.

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Ignored post by Jan Dollar posted May 14, 2008 01:37 PM Show Post
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I am so sorry you are going through all of this. I had a 3 surgeries and my last 2 were the worst! I was in the hospital for 3 weeks after the 2nd surgery. I had the same thing happen with me with vomiting and severe admonial pain. I didn't want the tube down my nose so they told me to walk as much as possible to get my intestines working again. So everyday I walked 2 miles and finally it started to work. The 3rd surgery, I went home and then the next day was in the ER with vomiting and pain, they put the tube down my nose which was so painful. It did speed things up. I had a blockage both times. This last one the blockage was just air but it sure was painful. Like the other ladies mentioned it is just a real difficult recovery and it takes time. And I am sure you are like all of us who have already been through so much and then we have surgery and want it to be fixed over night but unfortuanly it takes a long time to heal. Hang in there. We are all here for you.
Sara

Hey I really don't have much advice because I had a two step procedure. The only thing I can say is that nothing with surgery or recovery is a perfect process. No one really knows how your body will react to what is going on. I had a hard time with both my surgeries and spent way more time in the hospital than is usually necessary. I also am curious where you are having your surgeries done? I too had them in Chicago so let me know what hospital you're at.

Hi. I talked to the doctor and I just have to wait until the weekend and they'll probably put the tube in my nose. I am getting output in my stoma but it's not allot. I wish I had a three step. I am almost afraid to get the 3rd step.
I had it done at University of Chicago.

I feel I will never leave this place.

Hello, hope things start moving a long for you! I had a three-step done and step 2 did take a bit longer for my bowels to "wake up". They monkey around with your small intestine much more in step 2 so what you are going through is common.

Get up and walk around as much as possible, it is difficult but this will kick start your system faster.

Good luck, and keep us posted.

Yes, the more you move around the faster you will recover. The tube down your nose is pretty painful but it Will speed things up. I didn't sleep until they pulled that thing out but instead of being in the hospital for a long time the tube will help you get out faster. The important thing is that you recover well and we are all here to help as much as possible. Unfortuantly when you are there it feels as if time has stopped but you will get better. Hang in there.
Sara

Hey, ChiDude.
Step 2 is a monster. I had the surgeries in 3 steps last year and Jan is right. Step one was relatively simple and not hard to recover from. Step two is a major operation, more invasive and brutal to the body as any other procedure performed today.
Like you, I had ileus after step two. It lasted for days and I felt like my insides were made of cement. Violent puking, green goo from every orifice, tears, and pain. Walk, walk, walk, walk, walk. I also took tiny sips of water to remind my system how to find it's rhythm again.
It was awful, but your small bowel will wake up again. It's just been in a bar fight. Give it time and be strong. Better days are coming. They're coming slowly, but they're coming.

Thanks guys. You've all been a great help. I will find out today what the doctor will do. They will check my blood count if it is good then I can go onto to liquids and hopefully home. If it's not, then it's a CT scan. I don't feel like I'm in pain just a little bloated.

I'll let you guys know.

Hey guys just to let you know I'm feeling fine and I'm going home tomorrow.

Thanks for all of your help guys.

This step 2 was a tough one but I know it'll get better in the future.