Of course everyone responds to surgery a little different but I definitely had an easier time with the second surgery. I'm not sure how long you will be in hospital for, I was there for 2 1/2 weeks after my surgery (to ensure healing). If your surgery is laproscopic like mine was healing will be easier then if you are going the abdominal route (smaller incision). I didn't even use pain medication after I left the hospital (didn't even fill the prescription as I felt no need). You will find that although you are not in pain, you will tire out quickly (like you probably did your last surgery). I would say even if you do feel well enough to do errands take it easy (like one a day) especially if you are responsible for cooking/cleaning. Also, before your take down get some calemoseptine cream (http://www.calmoseptineointment.com). Use LOTS of cream before and after you go to the bathroom as your stools will be watery and acidic at first. Also try to avoid using TP for the first little bit and get some baby wipes (especially for in the hospital where the TP is not nice at all). You will probably be on a low residue diet at first, make sure that you reintroduce foods slowly and one at a time. You will be able to eat most foods eventually but it's good to see what your body reacts to and the reaction (some foods will bulk stool, others will make you really crampy/gassy). If you have any questions feel free to ask! Have a good surgery!

Thanks for your sage advice. I really appreciate it. My first surgery was done laporoscopically and I was in hospital for 5 days. Thankfully,I had no complications besides irritation on the stoma site. I hope the same goes for the second surgery. I have a toddler so I have plenty of baby wipes... Thanks again.

I was in for four days. I stopped taking pain meds in the hospital on day 2.5ish. Do not use baby wipes with witch hazel, that burns my butt. I have found that owning a bidet offsets the need for Calmoseptic ointment and wipes. It will save a lot of money in the long run.

Be prepared for a lengthy stay of at least 4 days and then don't expect to want to do anything soon afterward. I still haven't left the house after two weeks, too much urgency.

To help with the cramps/spasms/got to go feeling but some Gas-x. The chewable Cherry flavored tablets taste good and help a lot!

I have been taking Percocet lately to sleep, I busted a couple stitches and my old stoma wound is twice the size now. Sometimes I had to take the meds for that pain and other times to tolerate butt burn before I installed the bidet.

Hot baths with suds help a lot too with the butt burn.

Buy Gas-X. (silly autocorrect)

I will look into bidet. Also,do you take any vitamin supplements. I heard you have to get b12 shots when u don't have a colon. I am not looking forward to a bland diet again. I hope I am able to eat most things.