I had steps one and two done at the same time for the J-Pouch procedure, and am awaiting step three (reversal of the temporary loop-ileostomy). After the first surgery, the nurses mentioned that the drainage I had from the J-Pouch was substantially more than they normally find. They also said that most people learn how to control that mucus drainage, so that they can find a bathroom to drain. That was all they said about it though.

I had done a lot of research before my surgery and I feel like I have a good idea of what to expect as far as results go, I learned about what kinds of things can go wrong etc etc, and didn't think I had any questions that weren't answered. I was very surprised when the drainage started, as I hadn't expected anything like that, and nothing about it was mentioned before I experienced it while recovering from surgery.

I figured that since there was so little written about it (nothing that I have ever stumbled upon) and it wasn't mentioned pre-surgery it would resolve itself relatively easily. However, that has not been the case.

I've been feeling rather frustrated about this, because I can't seem to find anything about it on any online forums or any kind of advice for how to learn how to control this. Does anyone have any advice for how to learn to control this?

I think in the past few days I've really started to make some progress on this, but I would still like to post the question and see if anyone has any other tips. I've found that I can sort of hold it a bit when I really use my abs (as kegel exercises alone were not helping enough (but I am still doing those)), but even so I'm having to build a lot more muscle to be able to do this, and as it is still so stressful to wander far from a bathroom because of just how much drainage there is.. well, it's very frustrating.

Anyway, I was just wondering if the only thing I can do is kegels and build up my abs, or if there is anything else that works better or something I could do as well to help this. Thanks.