Especially from women - I would love to hear from you about what you might tell me that the doctors often leave out...about preparing for the surgery, what to wear in the hospital and after, how to live best while recovering, etc. I am 65 and am healthy but for low dysplasia in a few areas of the colon. Pretty nervous about it all so would love to hear from you! Thanks, Carole
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Preparing for the surgery will definitely recommend talking positively and try to remain calm and relaxed. Think about all the reasons why you want/need the surgery. Looking for a new beginning. Definitely name the J-pouch so you can develop a friendship with the pouch.
What to wear: I would wear pajamas to make myself extra comfy lol.
There will be lots of pain but its worth it in the end. You will have many bowel movements but its a blessing over constipation. Try to move around as much as possible. There may be side effects but everything will be paid off in the end. Years later after everything, you will look back and see how everything made you stronger, there will most likely be no regrets. Compare to how everything was then and compare how everything is better with a J-pouch.
Good Luck! My J-pouch is turning 6 on the 13th, and no regrets!
This is very important! When you exercise for now on, definitely nothing extensive! Doing extensive exercise with a J-pouch can cause blockages, hernias, and other problems. When you exercise, make sure its easy going and do not do extensive abdominal exercises of any kind. A lot of people found out the hard way one here about that, so be careful.
Last tip! Celebrate your J-pouch's birthday every year 
Celebrate the J-pouch surgery and the takedown every year! Each birthday is worth celebrating
Thank you Lauren for all these good tips. I appreciate hearing about your experience and love the idea of naming the pouch! I am a big athlete so I hope to find forms of exercise that can be safe but do the trick! Have a lovely weekend and thanks again!! Carole
@Miss Carole B posted:Thank you Lauren for all these good tips. I appreciate hearing about your experience and love the idea of naming the pouch! I am a big athlete so I hope to find forms of exercise that can be safe but do the trick! Have a lovely weekend and thanks again!! Carole
Of course, anytime! Let me know how everything goes for you! And thank-you for loving my advice
And I definitely, find safe exercises. Some things I do is that I put on some music or a show and dance for 30-60 minutes. Stretching is good exercise and biking/running. We J-pouchers have to take it easy since we are more delicate now, I would recommend keeping it between 30-60minutes.
Do you have any names picked out for your ostomy/pouch when you get it?