One thing

#1 Keep a positive attitude. Everything is not just going to be peaches and cream after surgery.

#2 Have patience. Do not measure your progress in days because you will frustrate yourself. Measure your progress in weeks an months. You will not see huge differences overnight.

#3 Stay Active. Don't sit around on your couch feeling sorry for yourself. I did that for a while and I did nothing but move backwards. Get up and walk and get outside to get fresh air. Maybe give yourself one chore to accomplish each day just don't overdo it you do need your rest.

#4 Experiment with foods and keep a food log. There are foods that will block you up, there are foods that will move right through you, and there are foods that will keep everything normal firm and move smoothly through your digestive system.

#5 Don't be afraid to use this site for support and ask questions. We are all nervous after takedown and don't know what's normal so just ask as many questions as you need to to make yourself comfortable.

#6 Try a probiotics after a couple weeks to see if improves your digestive system. They work really well for a lot of people. VSL#3 is top of the line but pricey.

#7 Invest in baby wipes and butt paste. These will help you extremely especially those days with butt burn. Calmoseptine is very good but other prefer other paste. This is personal preference.

#8 Just keep in mind this is a big surgery and long recovery process to get back to normal so take your time and don't rush things you will get better as time goes on.

Good Luck. You'll do fine.

On the butt paste front. Definitely do not overlook this when you go into surgery, you should have it with you as it may not be provided for you: a terrible time without it right after surgery.

Go into a Wal-greens and clear out their Calmoseptine- it is what works best. Just take their entire shelf of it. Normally it seems they stock 3 max, take them all- you will use them.

additionally, If you have extreme butt burn after the surgery, taking a number two in a bathroom with a shower is a good idea. You may find a few times the burn is just unbearable.

Hop in the shower and make it scalding hot, spread those cheeks and let the water rush over the area- it seems counter-intuitive, but it helps relieve the pain soooo much.

I haven't had to do this in a while, but during the first few months post surgery- I don't know what I would have done without it.

Thanks so much for the advice! I will put it to practice! Thanks! I will also post some updates and will report what works for me.

Remember that the zinc oxide/Calmoseptine/whatever works best at *preventing* butt burn, not at treating it. Have a barrier on at all times. I'm reminded of the Karate Kid: "wax on...wax off."

For me, the one single most important thing for success is to really believe that things will work out. This means having faith in your surgeon, faith in your friends and family, and faith in yourself. It does not mean leaving everything to fate, but making sure you are prepared for any outcome and understand that there are always options. Learn to compromise, accept what cannot be changed, and find joy in every day.

Jan

To have a positive attitude and take one day at a time. Good luck!

I too had emergency surgery with multiple complications.

The 2nd step (1st of 2 for J-Pouch) when exactly as planned with no complications. Your stoma will be different and a little difficult to maintain.

The 3rd step did not go as well and instead of 3 nights in the hospital, I spent 7 nights. I was running a fever and throwing up a lot the first few days. Nobody told me why, but with hindsight, I suspect it could have been pouchitis, due to my eating solids a little too soon. Stick to the liquid and soft diet as long as possible.

Having a patient advocate (Mom's are best) while you are in the hospital is essential!

Thanks Jan, Scott, Marianne, and Lesandiego for your advice,I thanked the others earlier. yes I have a positive attitude, much faith, a wonderful surgeon, and a very supportive Mom and Sister. I realize there is a "process" associated with the J-Pouch including risk, rewards, set backs, bad days and good ones too. Thanks to all for giving me your advice and support!

This is not the most important thing but I thought I would add it anyway. I panicked the first time it happened to me. If you drink something red in the hospital or at home, you will see red in the bowl. IT'S NOT BLOOD!

Caty