Expectations about adjusting to takedown?

If you have no major issues like cuffitis, pouchitis, strictures etc (I have had all), your body should adapt rather readily to the changes. I have heard some are totally back in action by three months, others take longer from 6 months to a year. In my case, I am at 2 years and finally getting some relief with my life improving a little bit each day, but I still have obstacles and setbacks I deal with on a regular basis. I am the exception however not the norm.

Control was never an issue for me. I think it just comes naturally. You will learn soon what foods you can tolerate and which ones bother you. You can keep trying them again as time goes on as that may change too. Chew your food good, do not take in a lot of air when eating or liquid, try the metamucil and always try and empty your pouch before bed. You can try immodium etc but I always found it bloated me, I was never big on bowel slowers and thickeners other than metamucil and even that did not seem to do much for me. Time helps with thickening your stool.

At two years I probably go to the bathroom 4 times to max 5 times a day and once, sometimes twice at night. Daytime is very tolerable. I do wish I could sleep through the night though.

I think you will be amazed how quickly your body adjusts. I was so nervous before takedown and it all ended up quite uneventful thank goodness. Most folks get on with life rather fast. Go slow with food, but don't be afraid to try everything you love. Just try in small amounts at first. I never used Imodium or anything like that but if you think you will need it afterwards, always check with your dr. first especially right after surgery. I had control from the get go. The only thing I can complain about is the butt burn I get at times but that will always be a problem I suspect. I just make sure I'm never out of Calmopseptine. That stuff is a must!! Good luck!

I had the same question. My takedown is in three weeks (Apr 9th) and I need to travel to Europe for work in the second week ofJune. Do you guys think I would have recovered enough by then to do that??

Knitwitty-I think these are all reasonable and expected. Just remember it all takes time.

UCWarrior2010-It depends very much on the person. I am about 10 days shy of 3 months post-takedown. I'm finally back at 100%. I've been feeling great as far as the pouch goes for a while, just finally getting to the point, though, that I'm not super tired after an 8 hour workday just at my desk. Me personally, I do think I probably could have taken a trip about 2 months post-op if I had to, I just would have made sure to pack all of my supplies and have extras (cream for butt burn, medication, etc.)just in case, since I would not be familiar with what is available over there.

Is it really that big of a deal to drink a lot of liquid with meals after takedown? Does the affect of doing so vary depending on the person with the J-Pouch, or is it always problematic? I ask because I'm not sure how well I would adjust to not drinking much when I eat.

I don't drink a lot at all. I should definitely be drinking more but I have had no issues. Now if you are going to the bathroom a lot right after surgery, (and you will) then it's wise to make sure you are drinking enough. You will need to replace those fluids.

There are different opinions about drinking with meals. Some think it's better not to drink with meals and to wait a while after the meal before drinking liquids. I've never done that and I drink when I'm thirsty. Like Marianne, I don't drink a lot. I think you will figure out how to keep hydrated. If you need to drink when eating, then go ahead. This process is all trial and error (or hopefully trial and success) and you'll find what works best for you.

kathy

I am like mgmt10. I should be drinking more throughout the day, but only have had one very minor issue with dehydration and that was when I had pouchitis for the first time. I had to kick up the water intake after that, but now, I drink like I did before surgery-usually about 20 oz. of water plus 1-2 Diet DP during the day at work, another glass or two of tea or water in the evening and then probably 6-10 oz. of water overnight out of the bottle that I keep next to the bed. If I'm thirsty or have dry mouth, I increase my water intake. I've always drank something at meals and still do....

When people say it takes a year, generally they are referencing a return to your "normal" state - full energy, full diet, full activity, etc...Many people see this happen before a year. However, when people have issues, drs often remind them that it CAN take up to a year for the body to adjust. It doesn't mean it will for every person.

Yes, JillM brings up a good point. It won't necessarily mean you will need a whole year to adjust. I was back to my regular, crazy life a month after takedown. It's just a new normal.

Thanks everyone for all of your responses; they've been very helpful.