Hi,

I had my takedown on 15 Oct 2014, so about 8 weeks ago. I do not profess to be an expert and everyone is different, but here's my experiences (Takedown started Wed at 2:30PM out of hospital 11:00AM Friday, total stay probably less than 2 days):

1. Some pain around the (sewn up) stoma site, not unbearable and goes reasonably quickly
2. Output initially is very watery
3. Use a zinc based cream to try and prevent butt burn
4. Sort of successful
5. Started taking metamucil 3-4 times a day
6. For me, best thing I could have done
7. Thickened up the output and it passes (largely avoiding butt burn)
8. I used non-scented baby wipes and pat dry with toilet paper
9. Eating mainly bland(ish) foods, but not too many restrictions
10. Use a sports drink for hydration (it's red so output is orange to red and it colours the sheets if leakage)
11. Something like 10+ BMs/day
12. Worst part is getting up 3-4 or more times a night with some leakage (I am told this will eventually go)
13. Stoma site incision has completely healed
14. Generally nil urgency, but occasionally watery output might squeeze out
15. I use lomotil (2 tabs in AM gets me through to lunchtime, and 2 tabs in the evening which don't seem to do much)

All in all a positive experience and much better than I was expecting. As I said, everyone is different, hope yours goes well.

Sorry, missed the supplies bit, all I can say is:

1. have a zinc based cream for initial butt burn
2. Have a good supply of moist towelettes, ie. baby wipes
3. If it works for you, use something like metamucil
4. Keep hydrated (ie. with sports drinks like Powerade etc)
5. Think about Lomotil or Loperamide (check with your Doctor, different people have different results with these)

Other than that, I can't think of much else.

I had my takedown at the end of February this year. Needed supplies were few. You may need some supplies for cleaning and dressing the surgical site. Calmoseptine or similar product is useful to prevent butt burn and Balneol is very good and soothing for cleansing.
It took my system some time to adjust so be patient. A pro-biotic is a must. My doctor prescribed VSL#3 but it was too strong for me. It made me quite ill so I use something less potent. It works wonders for some, we're all different. I also take Lomotil. At first it was two tablets four times per day. Now two in the morning and two at bedtime.
You will need to adjust to different foods slowly. Some foods will really upset your system at first but improve over time. As an example Bar-b-que really made me sick for the first six months. Now I can tolerate a little but I still steer away from foods that are too fatty. Fried foods and foods that produce excess gas should be avoided as well, at least at first. In time once in a while is okay. I ate Mexican food today My systems a little off this evening but as my doctor says, sometimes you just have to decide if it's worth it.
I did have an abscess develop at the surgical site about three months after the takedown. Emergency surgery was required and my summer vacation plans were blown but that's the way it goes. Glad it didn't happen while in the middle of the Caribbean.
There are good days and not so good days but there all better than an ostomy day! It takes time but improves week by week, month by month. Take your time, relax, be patient, be mindful of your diet, take your meds and get some exercise. Walking does wonders for your GI system. Oh, there are some tea blends just for digestive health that are great. Check the organic isle at your grocery.
You'll be fine.