This past February, 2014, I had my new J-Pouch created. Since that time I have had problems with high output, dehydration and electrolyte imbalance resulting in 3 trips back to hospital. It appears to be under a semblance of control right now with enough medication to constipate an elephant. I will be having my reversal "take down" procedure in 4-5 weeks. My surgeon said that things would be rough for a while. What I am looking for here is some first hand experience of what I can expect. I know everyone is different but personal stories can still be helpful. By biggest concern is urgency and control. Frequency I can handle.
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Do a search for "takedown" and/or "stoma reversal" and you'll find lots of posts on the subject, including suggestions for supplies at the hospital.
Everyone is indeed different. BUT: I had horrendous times with both the removal and the pouch creation. I was totally prepped for a horrible time with the takedown, and couldn't have been more wrong. Back to work in 4 weeks because I was FINE and bored at home!
Gas can be bad at first, so WALK and WALK and then WALK some more. Start off bland with diet and experiment. Soft TP is a must as is a barrier cream.
Hoping you'll be pleasantly surprised,
Gin
Everyone is indeed different. BUT: I had horrendous times with both the removal and the pouch creation. I was totally prepped for a horrible time with the takedown, and couldn't have been more wrong. Back to work in 4 weeks because I was FINE and bored at home!
Gas can be bad at first, so WALK and WALK and then WALK some more. Start off bland with diet and experiment. Soft TP is a must as is a barrier cream.
Hoping you'll be pleasantly surprised,
Gin
Urgency and control in the beginning may be a little tough. I figured out if I would just stay still the urgent feeling would go away after 10 seconds or so. When I finally ventured to my favorite store during recovery time, Walgreens, I would just stop where ever I was in the store and look at what ever was on the shelf until the urge went away. Control is great. I can hold it for a hour or two if I have to. In the beginning it wasn't like that but I've never had a problem holding it until I could find a restroom. I still carry a pair of underwear in my bag of supplies in my purse, like I did in UC days. Old habits die hard!
In the very beginning you will want to stay close to a restroom until you get use to your new plumbing. I'm not going to candy coat it and say it's a breeze, it is a slow process but it will be worth it.
I didn't have problems with frequency as much as I did with the resulting butt burn. Be very careful and gentle with taking care of your rear. There are plenty of discussions about this on here. It would help you to do a search about this too.
In the very beginning you will want to stay close to a restroom until you get use to your new plumbing. I'm not going to candy coat it and say it's a breeze, it is a slow process but it will be worth it.
I didn't have problems with frequency as much as I did with the resulting butt burn. Be very careful and gentle with taking care of your rear. There are plenty of discussions about this on here. It would help you to do a search about this too.
Thank you both for your info and suggestions. It is very helpful. I am looking forward to getting this done and I am prepared for discomfort and inconveniences in the beginning. I just hope that I am one of the lucky ones and it doesn't take to long to get to a happier place. I have been exercising ye ole sphincter right straight along. Hopefully my efforts will not be in vain. As for the butt burn, although I am not looking forward to it, I figure it can be managed and treated easier than the skin burn I have had under my appliance since the latest surgery. ~heavy sigh~ 
Hello Kathy, I had my take down surgery August 2013. I was nervous because I had become fond of my ostomy because it allowed the freedom that is hard to enjoy with UC. The recovery isn't a breeze but much easier thn the first surgery. You will quickly learn your pouch and what you can handle. It will take some time. I am down to about 5 trips to the toilet a day with excellent control. I even sleep thru the night. I try not to eat past 7 pm. You will figure put what is best for you. I rarely use calmoseptine ointment anymore because I don't need it. This stuff was a God send for me. Many people complain because of the small amount of menthol, but I loved it. The take down surgery was the best decision I ever made, however it took about 6 months before I was able to admit it. Good luck.
Hello Army Wife:
Thank you for your response. I hope I have a story like yours to tell in future. You are exactly where I hope to be in a few months.
I had the dye (leak) test yesterday and everything looked good, according to the Radiologist. I was concerned at first because they took so many pictures but she said it was because she wanted to make sure that she didn't miss anything regardless of how small. I was glad that she was so thorough. They inserted over half liter of fluid containing the dye and I was able to hold it all in much to the surprise of both me and the tech. Guess my exercises are paying off. I hope this means that I won't have a problem with continence after take-down surgery. I hope to hear from my surgeon's office sometime next week.
Thank you for your response. I hope I have a story like yours to tell in future. You are exactly where I hope to be in a few months.
I had the dye (leak) test yesterday and everything looked good, according to the Radiologist. I was concerned at first because they took so many pictures but she said it was because she wanted to make sure that she didn't miss anything regardless of how small. I was glad that she was so thorough. They inserted over half liter of fluid containing the dye and I was able to hold it all in much to the surprise of both me and the tech. Guess my exercises are paying off. I hope this means that I won't have a problem with continence after take-down surgery. I hope to hear from my surgeon's office sometime next week.