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Hello all,
I've been reading posts on here for many years (thank you all for lots of helpful information!) but have never had a reason to post before.
I'm now 37 weeks pregnant (after only trying to conceive for 3 months so there's a positive example of getting pregnant with a j-pouch!) and pregnancy has gone really smoothly.
After much deliberation I think I'm opting for a c-section, I've recovered so well with my pouch and just don't want to risk problems or incontinence in the future.
However the nearer it gets the more nervous I'm becoming. I know following the section I'll initially be bed bound whilst the epidural wears off and will have a catheter but what do I do about emptying my pouch? If I'm still numb will I even know I need to go and just be incontinent?? It sounds silly but it's worrying me and obviously not a normal concern for people that have a colon and solid motions.
If anyone has any experience I would be most grateful :-)

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so, i did not have a c-section, but did have an epidural. a few hours after my son was born, i did have one accident, because my epidural was still wearing off. but it wasn't a big deal. got cleaned up and then after that i was up and walking and no more accidents. it may be harder for you to get up after a c-section, but if you feel an urge to go, they can give you a bed pan. they aren't the most pleasant things to use, but they work for the most part.
clz81
Hi! I had a spinal with my first c-section and then an epidural with my second. I'm sure I had an accident in the recovery room, however, it was no big deal as I couldn't feel anything the nurse just fixed any issues. I refuse to use a bed pan, so I was up and using the bathroom later that day.

You'll do great! Congratulations a little early! Best wishes for a very smooth delivery.
LHetti
I had both a spinal block and an epidural at the same time for my c-section, due to also having ankylosing spondylitis. The result was that they shut down my GI system for at least a day, probably the only day in all of the years that I had my j-pouch that I didn't poop at all, ha ha!

The effects will wear off pretty quickly and you'll be up and around before you know it. My son was six weeks early and I was able to walk into the NICU to meet him a couple hours after the c-section. C-Section pain is pretty minimal compared to colectomy and j-pouch surgery, so try to put it out of your mind. Labor and Delivery have seen it all and even if you leak, it won't phase them. Once your babe is here, you won't even think about it, you'll be too wrapped up in the awesomeness of this new precious life! Enjoy and don't worry. Best wishes for your new addition!
Breezie
I had both an epidural and spinal because the obgyn wanted to make sure I was good and numb in case the section took a little longer than normal because of my pouch (It didn't, I think she was just being cautious). Just like Breezie, my GI system was shut down until the next morning and I too was able to walk around the same day of the c-section. You will be ok :-)
D

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