Hi NewLifer,

I had my takedown about a month ago so I am still new to this but have some tidbits to share. Calmoseptine is AMAZING for the burning, irritation your bottom may experience once you begin going to the bathroom again. I also use Ilex as a protectant, it just forms a barrier between the skin and your bm's. I would stay away from acidic foods and drinks, simple sugars too. I try to have applesauce, breads and other food thickeners to keep my bm's more formed which seems to work for me better. I use panty liners, set further back in my underwear to protect my delicates from anything. I haven't had too much in the way of leakage myself. Everyone has a different experience with their takedown and restroom rituals. I SWEAR by charmin ultrasoft, it is a godsend when I find I am using the restroom more frequently, it's delicate and doesn't seem to hurt to use a lot. I also bought a Coco bidet which really helps, the warm water seems to ease my bottom and helps me empty more completely. I think that is my biggest hurdle right now, when I was sick it was a quick trip to the bathroom, multiple times a day, and no real effort. Now I have to be patient and sometimes fidgit in order to feel I have emptied my pouch as best possible. Think of your new bowels as an infants bowels. Like an infant we pouchers have to get used to using the bathroom and it will be small, frequent trips but I find now I am going about 10 times a day, more if I am trying to incoporate coffee, tea or simple sugars. You'll find what works for you and hoepfully have a smooth recovery.

The Ostomy nurses talked to me in the hospital about using Calmoseptine and how to apply it among other things to expect. Just in case no one does that for you this is a good question. These are my suggestions.

Calmoseptine, you can buy it at Walgreens, they keep it by the adult diapers and some pharmacies keep it behind the prescription counter. I bought a 6 pack of it from Amazon.com the last time

Baby wipes without alcohol plus you need some travel sized packet ones for when you are away from home

Charmin Ultra Soft TP, take it with you hospital as their TP sucks

If you don't buy a bidet seat or bidet get a Bidet sprayer. We ordered a kit on-line from Diabeties & More that cost $50 delivered and took my husband 10 minutes to install. If you don't get a something, be prepared to take a lot of showers and sitz baths. I still use the sprayer 2 years post take down surgery and don't foresee ever stopping using it. I also ordered a portable bidet from Amazon, it is bottles

You need to dab with TP for 3 reasons
1) you have not been using that area so it has gotten soft
2) there is 30% more bile in our oop: than before
3) you are going to be going to be going more frequently

Instead of tucks I'd suggest you buy witch hazel and apply it with folded TP or a cotton ball. Tucks are made out a witch hazel and you can get a huge bottle for $6.

I also bought a bottle with a long nozzle, portable bidet from Amazon, to use when we are traveling and staying in motels or other peoples houses for more than a day. The bottle is good as when you squeeze it the warmwater has good pressure when coming out

I'm sure I forgot something - it's a lot easier to manage than ostomy supplies.

I am 6 days out of takedown surgery. The three things I've invested in that have been lifesavers for me are super soft toliet paper, baby wipes and vaseline. Don't forget that you'll need those for the hospital--you will be in so much pain if you have to use the hospital toliet paper!

One thing that has frustruated me that you might prepare yourself for is the amount of restroom trips you'll make just after surgery and the amount of time you'll spend there. Of course I was warned, but I wasn't really prepared for the amount of time I'd have to be in the bathroom after having the ostomy, where I emptied it several times a day, but was in and out and on with my life. I still don't have emptying the pouch down-but I've heard it gets easier-so just be prepared that it takes some practice and it's different than when you had a colon.

I hope the surgery goes well for you...it is MUCH easier than the first surgery!

Thank you so much all of your tips are very helpful and things I did not know. especially the tp and bidet. Now I can be prepared. I dont have a husband or family who can help me really.

I forgot to add I take Charmin Ultra Soft with me everywhere we are going to spend the night, along with the hand held bidet. It does make a difference. If they get insulted just tell them their TP is perfectly fine and smooth but now you require TP that is more fabric like, as that is the truth.