Hi all
It has been a long journey...but we are finally going home tomorrow!!! My daughter had her TC on 6/5/08,and they connected her small intestine directly to what was left of her rectum,and then the waiting game began....no bowell sounds.NG tube in for over 2 weeks,still no bowell sounds,then bowell sounds came and no output,couldn,t eat,bloating,and vomitting...more testing,and more waiting...then on 7/9/08 we had more s/x and she got an illeostomy,which will be permanant because testing showed problems w/ what is left of her rectum,and mild problems w/ part of her small intestine...we are happy,or relived!! Finally a light at the end of tunnel 
!! The drs said there were no promises that this would work either,so we just trusted GOD that this was his way of healing her...so we waite dagain for bowell sounds,etc...and it worked!!! She is eating and we have poop!!!! and we have gas...I know that seems crazy,but not having either thing for 11 years.and having her so sick,getting a pouch is a HUGE blessing!! She is doing great w/it all. She already emties and cleans end of bag by herself,and we have changed the pouch 3 times together. We want to try different kinds etc when we get home,but it seems to be going well so far.She just laughs and smiles every time she goes or feels the gas!! That is totally GOD...he gave her and us such a peace about this...so if I can encourage anyone facing a "pouch"...look at it as a blessing,and getting your life back!! Thanks to everyone on this site...for your advice and prayers,and the hope...those of you that have pouches have really been an encouragement to us...We will surly be asking questions about different brands etc,so we will post again soon!! 
In His Grip,
Krista & Takera