It gets better....it really does. It's only been two weeks since your takedown. Your body needs to adjust and adapt to its new plumbing. Some people adapt faster than others. What is your diet like right now? Stay away from too much sugar right now...that tends to increase frequency. You can also ask your surgeon if you can take some Imodium if you're not taking it already.

I've been eating mostly soft foods, like rice, pasta, mashed potatoes, yogurt, avocados,etc. I did try Imodium but it tasted horrible (tried the liquid bc I couldn't swallow the pill). Actually, I don't have an awful number of bowel movements throughout the day, it just seems that I can still never get to the bathroom in time!
Katie

Ask your doc for lomotil. It's tasteless, but it does require an rx. Keep a daily log of your bm's per day as he may want to know. When you get down to about 5-7 per day, you will be on your way to being close to your new normal. I had my take down in April and I have about 4 bm's per day but I no longer keep count. The busier you are... the less you think about it and you would be surprised at how long you can hold it.

The Lomotil tablets are *tiny*, so you might find them easy to swallow.

I'll ask about the lotomil at my post op appt tomorrow. Thanks for the suggestion. I have a few more possibly weird questions:
-when you feel like you need to go to the bathroom, does it feel like it used to? For me, when it get the urge, it feels like I'm actually pooping!
-I used desitin a few times, but it stings. Anyone use calmoseptine?
-anyone suffer urinary retention after the takedown surgery? It's been a little over 2 weeks and I still have such a hard time urinating! I can't get a stream started, it's like I lost the feeling of having to go
Thanks very much,
Katie

Lomotil, not lotomil
Katie

Yes, my urgency to go is almost "normal".. worst part is trying to release gas without stool. Calmoseptine stings a little as well. Maybe try A and D. As for peeling, I do remember my stream being minute and it seemed to go a little bit sideways (weird), but all is good now. I think the amount may have something to with the 1/2 the liquid you drink now goes through your pouch.

I think the mildest butt cream would be plain zinc oxide ointment, which works just fine. Calmoseptine is liked by many folks here, but I don't think anyone would describe it as "mild."

Hi Bebekspor.

I had my takedown two days before you, and most of what you say sounds familiar. I can go out now for an hour or two, but I'm always nervous. I don't commit to heading out to meet my wife and kids, as I still can't tell if/when things might go south. I haven't had the incontinence issue, but I've been close, particularly with gas pushing things along.

I definitely have issues distinguishing feelings downstairs. I do feel anal pressure that feels like the start of a BM, but turns out to be fleeting gas pressure. The later in the day, when I'm sore downstairs from a lot of usage, things get much harder to control. I've still kept everything in, but it's taken a lot of effort. Each day seems to start fresh after some sleep.

I will say that the comments people post about seeing it as week to week/month to month seem spot on. On any given day I question this whole process, but I'm much better off than I was two weeks ago. I have entire mornings where I feel great, and some afternoons are ok. If I could only not dread going to the bathroom, as the burning can be outrageous. I do use calmoseptine for this, and it's very helpful. A bidet is my next planned purchase!

Yes, the gas pressure is awful! Especially later in the day. What I ate for lunch yesterday must have disagreed with me because I had horrible gas starting around 4, I was just lying on the couch in pain, just waiting until the gas would come out (it took a few hours).
Went out with my husband for Valentine's Day, wore a diaper had lots of gas pains but sat in the bathroom at the restaurant for about 15 minutes and luckily was able to go. It was a quick date, but nice to get out. Looking forward to being able to go out without wearing a diaper though!
Katie

Sounds like things are getting better, but I hear it can take longer than 2 weeks! Hopefully at the 1 month mark you'll have better control! My take down is 25 days away and I am concerned but hopeful I will be mostly under control at 1 month! Regarding difficulty urinating, I would tell surgeon but often issues happen after having catheter few days. I had no problem when catheter was removed after 1 day, but my 2nd surgery had it 3 days and I had continued difficulty urinating, couldn't empty bladder, for over 3 weeks! Now it's better. Cranberry juice good but has sugar which you may want to avoid. Ask Dr. About cranberry pills. Good luck!

Your story sounds quite familiar to my own. I had my reversal a little over two years ago and am doing well. But the first few weeks/months were a challenge in that gas pains and pressure especially late in the day or evening were a problem along with butt burn (I used desitin along with a bidet - which made the most positive difference). I also had a very different feeling when it came to urinating. It was difficult to pee and not also feel the need to poop. My plumbing just felt different, presumably as a result of the surgery and all the mucking about down there.

In any event, things did eventually calm down. I no longer have gas problems (I think due primarily to the use of VSL#3). Urinating has become close to what it used to be (still a little different). My bum is also rarely raw (unless I have pouchitis) thanks to reduced frequency (via food selection, the use of medication and soluble fiber).

This is to say that things should get better although you will likely need to engage in some trial and error to find out what works best for you.

All the best.