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6 replies

Takedown this week! what should i know?

L LisaB827Member
Hey! Some quick background info...I had my jpouch created on 2/1. The surgery and recovery went way smoother than I expected. I then had a lot of skin irritation issues and was changing the bag every day. Then on Thursday I started to feel really run down and exhausted. I figured maybe it was because this was my first week back in the office, so my body was just adjusting. Then Saturday was so much worse, and by 10pm my output just stopped. I came to
Mt Sinai's ER Sunday morning and after xrays and a cat scan it was confirmed, I had a bowel obstruction. An NG tube helped me get through it and now I am feeling better! Also the NG tube was removed today, which made me much happier! (I really hate those things)

Now that I'm already here at the hospital, I'm going to have my takedown this Wednesday instead of next Wednesday like originally planned.

What should I know going into this last surgery? Like what should I be prepared for? I do already have soft toilet paper, but other than knowing that would help I am not prepared at all! Any advice on how to make this adjustment as easy as possible would be very helpful! But I'd also like to know what some realistic expectations are. Will I leak while I'm sleeping? Stuff like that... I'd really appreciate any information.

Thanks!!
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JD Jeff DMember
The first week, well even about the first month after takedown made me wonder if I made the correct decision. However, I'm approaching 3 months soon and I tend to have more good days than bad ones.

[LIST]Barrier cream for your bottom is a must
  • Might want to consider moist wipes instead of toilet paper
  • Your diet is crucial in the first few days after your bowels "awaken". Experiment with bland foods. Watch out for fresh fruits, veggies, seeds, spicy, etc. I noticed I probably cut the portions of my meals in half. I just can't eat much anymore or my stomach hurts for hours.

    I lack some of the experiences of other posters but I would recommended searching for "what to expect" using the tool or just scanning previous pages. I have seen good answers on past pages. Good luck!
    • Holly MHolly MMember
    Good luck on your takedown. I would def. say a good barrier cream, soft tp and squirt bottle for warm water to wash your tush , the output can be quite acidy to some folks. And I totally agree, be very careful when they start you back on solid foods. For some reason some hospitals bring the absolute wrong food for someone who just had our kind of surgery, for example I was brought lasagna for one meal. I sent it back of course.
    DN D. NocerinoMember
    USE WIPES!!! Its been exactly 3 months after my take down and I still need them I cannot do toilet paper. Stick with the set diet and after a month start to play around with the diet a bit. If you have butt burn or itching at any time, berrier cream helps but sist baths with baking powder is heavenly and solves that problem instantly. The best of luck and have fun!!!
    A Av8erchicMember
    I would keep in mind, too, that you might not have all of the issues that you see on the message board here. I was so worried before takedown about everything that I'd have to deal with afterward, based upon what I was reading. I've not had many issues-but the ones I have had, it was so nice to be able to come here and ask if it was something common or if I needed to call the doctor. I'm 9 weeks post-takedown and have no complaints about having a pouch-other than that I am upset that I can't compete anymore with my husband's terrible gas... Wink

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