J Pouch coming in 2 weeks, hoping for advice!!!

#1) I had a very high acid output so this was extremely important. I use Balneol cleanser on tp. It soothes, lubricates and protects after every bowel movement. On bad days, I use Calmoseptine on a small piece of gauze and leave it on the effected area. This is cleaner than just putting it on with your fingers and it doesn't slide onto your clothes. I bought both at Walgreens. The Balneol is next to the PreparationH.
#2) I have a 10" vertical scar and a 3" horizontal scar where the stoma was. The stoma scar is very thin and looks like it will fade quickly.
#3) Yes, the kegels make a huge difference. My surgeon also had me do a rectal exercise where you pretend to clench a small stone in the rectum for as long as you can and release it. He recommended 60 to 90 a day.
#4) I only go 6 to 8 times a day and I am five weeks post take-down. I do take Immodium before every meal and at bedtime. I also use a 1/2 dose of Questran twice a day. I am very careful of my diet and keep a food journal. Berries, hot spices and fats seem to be trouble makers.
#5) Other posts led me to believe passing gas was going to be a problem but I have had no accidents from it.
#6) Walk as soon as you can and as much as you can. It helps to pass gas and rebuild core muscles. Gentle squats help too.
Recovery is a roller coaster of ups and downs. I try to look at long term improvements but there are days it is difficult. I cannot wait to take back my life and start having fun again. I spent two years in bed before the third surgery.
Our bodies react very individually so there is no standard predictions of what you will go through. My first week was pain free, the second week was tough and the third week was awful. Now I am about to go on a kayaking/climbing/camping trip. I am not as strong as I used to be but it is wonderful to use the bathroom so infrequently. Just roll with it, keep a sense of humor and ask lots of questions. I wish you the very best recovery.

Thanks Subzero! Good advice! I'll be looking for the butt cream very soon and you just reminded me to do my kegels. Good luck with your camping trip, just don't wipe with poison ivy. I've done that before and it's not fun!

Congrats on the pending surgery. All I can offer is what I have experienced so far. I'm still learning, both on my own and from the postings from others here. It's good to have community.

Okay:
#1) - Balneol. Absolutely! I carry it with me everywhere I go. I just picked up my first tube of Calmoseptine on the recommendations of other posts. Anything to keep the area clean and moisturized.

#2) - My takedown was through the stoma so no new scars.

#3) - (kinda leads in to #5). I don't do anything, but then again, I've been clenching up a lot outta fear of a wet f&rt.

#4) - Many notes here. First, I would say get plenty of liquids. I noticed I had very dry skin and was very thirsty but at the same time, I was going 12-15 times a day and a lot of diarrhea. Lack of moisture may also put strain on your rectal area so again, fluids and moisturize. Imodium should help with the diarrhea.

Rest. Rest. Rest. And patience. Give your body time to heal. And like Sbzero said, some days are better than others but overall, it gets better over time.

I had a bad spell with a butt burn and I think it was because of wiping and/or dry skin, so I have been using water whenever possible to clean, along with the Balneol. I carry a small Dawn detergent bottle with me that works good as a "portable bidet". So I avoid rubbing with paper/wipes whenever possible.

diet. stay soft and bland, at first. No roughage. Lotsa Pasta. Carbs. Look into a healthy greens substitute from your local health food store to help replenish the nutrients your body needs. To offer something to look forward to, I can say that foods I could not eat at first are now being digested without a problem, so it get better.

#5) That is a live-and-learn experience. First, I'd do Beano before every meal. Big difference for me! It's hard to describe but I would start to pass gas, get so much out, then feel something "change" and I would stop (or clench up). Then I would go to the bathroom to "finish" and sure enough, stool came out. It's been a learning process. Sorry if this is too blunt, but hey, that's what we are all here for, right?

#6) - I guess I would say that you should double whatever you are told OR what your expectations are on recovery. Again, patience. In this "instant" gratification society, we may tend to place a "fast food" experience on all the medical advances (which are great) but nothing replaces the natural time to heal.

Hope this helps.

Thanks Hemingway! Good stuff and don't worry, nothing's too blunt for me. I like hearing it the way it is. I'll have to look into Beano, I've heard a lot of people talk about it.

Blake