1 Week following Take-down Surgery

Hello all,

New to the forum - found that I could already be helpful for others. However, I am in the following condition currently:

Complete colon removal and j-pouch formation surgery September 2007.
4-5 months of learning the pouch system and the diet.
Last week, my doctor completed the take-down and closed my stoma.

I got out of the hospital on Saturday ONLY after I had walked, passed gas, eaten 2+ low-residue meals. I left the hospital with resident pain in my abdomen where the surgery took place, but other than that - I felt great and was very happy.

Beginning last evening up until right now, my urges to BM are extremely painful (last 10-20 seconds), but, I am almost able to control leakage completely. These episodes seem to happen closer and closer together and the pain is getting worse. Is this normal?? My doc said there would be leakage and lack of control, said nothing of pain though. Just worrying...

Thanks for any advice.
John

You might want to contact your surgeon regarding the pain. Expect improvement on frequency to come in about 6 week increments for the first year. Recovery is tough but it will get better! Also you might want to visit the jpouch board at www.j-pouch.org There are over 6000 members on that site who can provide you with great support and advice.

Sue