1. I always jusT drink water but any electrolyte replacement drink is good...just not one with a lot of sugar.

2.Banannas, chicken noodle soup, yogurt, toast or a small bagel, mashed potatoe, rice.

3.10 to 11x a day sounds right on target. I still go 6x a day..that's my norm. If you had An ileus, I would be hesitant to bulk up yet. It may be best to keep things free flowing. If in doubt, call your doctor.

4. Lots of small urges with little output may be your body adjusting but it could also be an indication of a stricture. If you have a follow up visit scheduled which I'm sure you do, inquire about that.

5. I think the anti depressent is a good idea. I think I would have benefitted from one but I was stubborn. This is such a stressful surgery but better days are ahead for you. Hope you feel better very soon!

quote:

1. What is best for hydration? Read on here water isn't good
2. What foods are ok for now? Just picking couldn't do full meals yet
3. Having 10-11 bm's daily..is that ok? When do you start w bulking agents or just wait
4. Lots of small urges w little output..is that ok?
5. Has anyone started antidepressants b/c of surgeries and not coping well? They put me on celexa in hospital as I never really emotionally accepted any of this and cry uncontrollably all the time..

1)In my mind nothing beats hydration like water. It's all the body needs fluid wise really, drink as much as you can since it also flushes out your body. Try mixing a gatorade half with water, makes it less sugary and you will get the added electrolytes which you could use right now.

2)Well since you had that ileum I'd say stay away from anything to epic for a little while. Simple foods that have agreed with you in the past would be great. Bananas, soup, yogurt, potatoes, marianne has them all down, she knows what's up!

3)10-11 is totally normal for this time, it only gets better. As your pouch expands and gets used to storing, you'll gradually need to empty your pouch less and less. Seems the average bm's for a healthy fully expanded jpouch is anywhere from 4-8 a day, with some more or less. You could always try taking a few imodium throughout the day to slow things down and increase water absorption.

4)That's totally normal as well. You'll notice you'll have less urge to go, and the output will increase with time.

5)I've never personally taken antidepressants before, but I can see why people do. It's a lot to go though, especially for people who are very emotional to begin with. If it helps you feel better emotionally, I'd say they would play an important role in a healthy recovery.

1. What is best for hydration? Read on here water isn't good Electrolyte replacement products are good. I like Vitalyte it has a very mild flavor and the citrus has no added color. It really works well. But you can even make your own. Google electrolyte replacement drink recipes. Water is certainly okay but the problem arises when one is drinking a whole bunch of water. In very rare instances it can cause water intoxication when the balance of electrolytes is pushed beyond safe limits. It can be fatal but fatalities are usually related to water drinking contests where a large amount of water is consummed in a short period of time. The reason I mention this is because pouchers often try to drink a lot in order to keep hydrated.
2. What foods are ok for now? Just picking couldn't do full meals yet I think you'll just have to try different things because we're all different. A few things that seem to work well are bagels, rice, pototoes, pasta, toast. Basically the white food group. Keep a food diary so if something isn't agreeing with your new plumbing you can eliminate it for now and reintroduce it later. It's also good to eat/drink salt-laden things to keep you drinking fluids.
3. Having 10-11 bm's daily..is that ok? When do you start w bulking agents or just wait Yes, that's perfectly normal. It sounds like you're doing very well. Some people start fiber and/or imodium/lomotil while they are still in the hospital. Some surgeons say to take and others say don't. But if you think you'd benefit from them give your doctor a call to see if it's okay.
4. Lots of small urges w little output..is that ok? Absolutely.
5. Has anyone started antidepressants b/c of surgeries and not coping well? Yep. Mine reared it's head long after the surgeries. If the antidepressant is helping then that's a good thing. Most people find that they only need to be on them for a while.

I'm glad you're out of the hospital and you're home on the mend. If you have trouble sleeping in a bed, many people have found that sleeping in a reclining chair works well.

kathy

I was always told coke for dehydration. I would expect more output while you are getting used to the pouch. It gets better. It is normal to feel depressed. You are going through a lot. I lived on applesauce, yogurt, and smoothies for a few weeks after takedown. Best of luck and hang in there.