Hi Ken,

welcome and congrats on ur takedown. There is so much to say, it’s difficult to know where to start.

we all go thru this in the early days after takedown. Our bodies are very confused and it can take some time (months) for things to calm down. In time you will learn what to eat, how much to eat and when to eat.

I would urge you to work with your surgeon (they are responsible for your immediate post surgical care), to provide you with any medication to address the cramping and the constant urge to poop.

every one of us, has our own solution as to how we cope on a daily basis with this new normal. For example, I take Imodium 3/day to slow down digestion and BMs, and Levsin, as needed, which is an anti-spasmodic

Others will weigh in with additional advice.

please remember you are not alone in this, and I am certain things will get better for you over time.

eric

Thanks Eric. The times when I’m not cramping r hopefully coming. Beyond that feel really good with plenty of energy & appetite as well. Hard not to eat everything I want because can’t ingest too much as I’ll pay the price. Appreciate your responding & advice

I was given an anti-spasmodic that targets the bowel while in hospital and restarting eating, and have occasionally taken it over the years.

Ask your surgeon or specialist stoma/j-pouch nurse (if you have one) whether you can try this.

Thanks. What is the name of medication

The usual anti-spasmodic are Bentyl and Levsin.

Thanks. What dosage do u take

I second all the above comments. Adding to this, I had to eliminate all dairy, beef, gluten for 30 days, Very hard!! Because all these foods cause inflammation and irritate intestines. I then added in one thing at a time to see what my system barked at. A high percentage of us bowel people have a diary and or gluten intolerance. I’m living my best life with my jpouch though in the end. Don’t give up trying to figure out your system.