Back to work

Pepto Bismol tablets slow things down for me if I need it.

I would also be really appreciative of comments on this. I go back to work this week and I'm just one month post surgery and still going almost every hour past noon until I fall asleep. I eat plenty of fiber and have a system away from the house to prevent soreness, but I really need to be able to take less trips while at work, especially as a substitute teacher.

In my early days after takedown antispasmodics like bentyl, levsin, lomotil and donnatal, taken 45 minutes before meals, were lifesavers. My surgeon told me I had a "spasmodic pouch." This calmed down within a year or so after takedown. The downside is that these anti-spasmodic drugs, while slowing things down and calming down the excess motility, also made me feel a bit loopy. I only take one at bedtime now.

Your situation is challenging, even without the added pressure of having a new J-pouch. Sometimes just being prepared as best you can will lessen anxiety regarding this issue and will likely lead to fewer occasions when you will need to use the bathroom. By being prepared I suggest wearing adult diapers and making arrangements with a teacher next door to cover your class if you should have to "leave" for a few minutes. Best wishes!