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Newbie with 4 questions

FM Former Member
Hello everybody!

Long time reader, first time poster Smiler

I had my large intestine removed +/- 7 weeks ago (15 June 2012) and I’m now in the J-Pouch Club. I had been suffering from severe Recto Ulcerative Colitis for 7 years. Operation went well and I was released from hospital after 12 days.

My questions relate to expectations, as my surgeon has been quite vague in that department : “everyone's recovery period and experience is different blah blah…”

If anyone would be so kind to enlighten me would be great!

1) Back to work. I was told after 2 months I would be fit for work again. I’m obviously no way near as bad as I was 4 weeks ago, where I was toileting 15+ times a day, now it’s -/+ 10. But still I don’t seem energetic enough, adjusted enough or hopeful enough to return to work. How long did it take you?

2) Butt Burn. I suffered really badly after hospital release with this. I read here to get non perfumed wipes and Cream – they helped immensely! It’s mainly in the evenings it becomes most sensitive as long as I limit my activities and certain foods. Thinking of investing in a bidet seat, it’s just our apartment has only 1 toilet. How long will the BB continue?

3) Back Passage. I have a constant feeling that my back passage contains an amount of excrement/ stool. Is this normal? It causes friction within the anus/ passage when walking and can lead to dart pinch like discomforts. Any tips/ tricks to lessen irritation as I'd like to get out walking more, especially in the evenings?

4) Foods. I haven't been too adventurous yet, my stable at the moment is buttered white toast (breakfast), basic white bread sandwich with ham (lunch) and pasta/ rice/ potato with minced meat or chicken (dinner). I read here “take fiber every day as well as immodium”… I take 6-8 immodium everyday, but what can I eat to up my fiber? I need a new menu, starting to bore of current culinary delights. What do you eat daily/ weekly? Any websites with suggestions or menus?

5) Alcohol. Beer I’ve tested, doesn’t seem to agree, liquid stools quickly. Is there any wine or spirit that is better than another?


I know it’s early days, and have read it can take up to 3-6-9-12 months… so I guess I just have to hang on in there.


Great Forum by the way! I hope I can aid people in the future too.
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Lizzie KnottLizzie KnottMember
?1 - I would say about 2 months is a good amount of time to return to work. You might be surprised that working makes you forget bathroom needs and they might be less frequent.
?2 - Calmoseptine and Anti-Monkey Butt Powder, both are good.
?3 - Sorry, no suggestions for that.
?4 - If you try something new, eat a small amount. Make sure to stay hydrated.
?5 - Wine makes mine liquid too, something about Alcohol.

Best of luck in the new normal!!
JP Jeff P.Member
I'm only three weeks post second surgery, so I don't have a lot of experience, but wanted to mention a few things.

My doctor has been very clear that I should be on a low residue (no fiber) diet for at least the first month to let the intestines heal. I'm only using immodium. I will start a high fiber diet in a couple of weeks. Fiber is great for bulking, but not surprisingly can irritate the sutured portion of the intestines.

I think returning to work is very personal. I was tired and weak after the first surgery, but have had full energy and felt great (except for too many bathroom trips) after the second. I suspect it has to do with the amount of work done during surgery, length of anesthesia, how quickly someone heals, health before surgery, etc.

Interesting that you say BB is worse at night. I've found the same thing. I wonder why. Maybe amount of use during day.
HemingwayHemingwayMember
Hello Bottler and congratulations! As you may be hearing frequently, it does get better.

So I will try to follow Lizzie in way of answers.

#1) - Give it as much time as you can, in my opinion. I think I rushed back too soon and increased time to heal. But also, gauge yourself (and be honest about it too). Trust your "gut" (pun intended) to know when to push yourself and when to take it easy.

#2) - Get the bidet. Try to avoid any wiping/rubbing whenever possible. I carry a small Dawn detergent bottle with me which works great as for rinsing when away from home.

#3) - I'm not sure about that. I clench up a lot because of uncertainty if I m going to pass gas or have a bowel movement, which causes pain and cramping, but I am not sure if we are talking about the same thing.

#4) - Soft is best at first. Starches, rice, pasta. Avoid veggies unless totally soft (my opinion). Consider baby food, yogurt. Beano to help minimize gas. REALLY learn to chew your food thoroughly. Remember, you're missing half of your innards, so food moves quicker and doesn't break down as fast (at first at least). try to go organic whenever possible. FLUIDS FLUIDS FLUIDS! You're losing a bunch with the diarrhea. I, too, was 6-8 on the Imodium, at first. Now I don't take any.

#5) - Like all things in life, in moderation. Alcohol dehydrates. Avoid having any on a empty stomach. (Again, my OPINION. I'm not a doctor nor a health expert - just a survivor) I have a glass of wine or two at night without any problems.

Hope this helps some.

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