Improvement timing of Takedown

2 tips to hopefully help get you where you want to be:

1) try introducing fiber/Metamucil into your routine to help “firm” things up a bit. While it doesn’t slow things down it can help expand your pouch to be able to store more. I also have found that I can put off going if things are a little more formed rather than loose. Consult with your doctor and see if you can double up on Imodium in the afternoon since things tend to be more active then since you’ve had 2 meals. He should be fine with that as the goal is to have you go less.

2) When possible- put off going. Even if it’s just an extra 5 to 10 minutes. This will also help your pouch expand. It takes time and some days are better than other. I’m 6 months out and am able to be out and about. I made a 3 hour car ride last week and didn’t need to use the restroom at all. But again, some days are better than others. Stay positive and focus on expanding that pouch.

Thank you so much.  Just having some guidance of time is so helpful because I am getting pretty upset with my life.   It’s almost back to where I was before the ileostomy.   I am taking Beneful but feel it makes things worst, but have not been consistent taking it.   Anyhow, thank you so much again!!!

Hi Jenn,

hello and welcome to our little neck of the woods. You will receive lots of advice, but here is my story. You are not alone. I do not believe there is any wrong with you. You just have to give it time as your surgeon suggests. I am about 10 months post takedown and still adjusting.

i am currently at 2 Imodium per day, down from 4. I go every few hours. Some days longer. It was not until this past December that i started to get things under control. I watch what I eat and when I eat and generally nothing goes in my mouth after 6pm. I take Imodium 12 noon and midnight.

I watch the medicines I take and introduce new foods one at a time. You will figure out what works and does not work for you. Everyone is different and you will find your way over time.
6 months from down you will have a different perspective and feel better. I never thought I would reach this point. I thought it would never be right. But I am getter there slowly.

I cannot speak to the fiber solution, but others have had good experience with it.

hang in there.

eric

If the fiber supplement you’re using isn’t helping then you might want to try a different one. I get good results from psyllium fiber (Metamucil or Konsyl).

Thank you very much everyone for your replies.  It is a small corner of the world that few really understand!   It’s nice to have somewhere to go and ask questions that people get!  I feel better just knowing you all have been down this exact road and I am going right way!!!!  It’s tough, but you all have been through so much… I know I can get there too!!!

You might need to take anti-spasmodics for a while. After surgery motility can stay hyper active for many months. If you notice that there is a particular high frequency of bowel movements after eating meals- if they are coming in machine gun bursts after the meal- the issue is motility and the solution is anti spasmodic pill (Bentyl or Levsin) 45 minutes before meals.

If the BMs are consistently spaced out through the day  and not coming in rapid fire bursts after eating, the best you can do is Imodium and good fiber intake as suggested in prior posts. And avoid foods that are natural laxatives.

As far as timing it was a long time after takedown before I put anti-spasmodic drugs in the rear view mirror. More than 10 months