Scared of the reversal

Trust me, you want a reversal if you can have one. It is so freeing!! Yes, there may be complications but it is all worth it! This is only my opinion of course, I don't want to speak for everyone. I want to try to answer your questions though and see if I can help.

You only read bad things because you are scared, and truth be told you probably read good things too but you only remember the bad ones.

From the operation itself you can expect what you would normally expect, about 4 days in the hospital and pain upon waking up, etc. You'll really need to walk and drink LOTS, those are two of the most important things.

Every body is different so I'm not sure anyone can tell you how long to expect to be near the toilet, but for me I went about 15-20 times a day for the first month and then it drastically reduced down to 3-4 times a day.

To prepare for the operation just be as healthy as you can. I don't know your healthy situation now, but make sure you are strong and healthy. I would be walking everyday if I were you. The healthier you are going into it, the quicker and easier your recovery will be because of your strength. Also - think positive!

I had several things on hand for after the surgery - Depends, calmoseptine cream, flushable wipes, tucks, soft toilet paper (take all these items to the hospital with you) I know I'm forgetting some things and when I remember I'll tell you.

You won't be able to exercise right after the surgery, you'll probably just be able to walk which is what will be most important. You'll have to follow your doctor's advice where anything more than walking is concerned.

I hope I've helped you some. I can tell you this; from start to finish (TC to Reversal) I've had complication after complication and I would do it all over again. That's how happy I am. It is SO worth it!!

I'll be more than happy to answer any other questions you may have.

My daughter had her reversal in November. It's been wonderful! She had much less pain with this surgery than she did with the 1st one. She was up and about within 24 hours. She walked and walked the entire 4 days she was in the hospital. And had a smile on her face. She took minimal pain medicine.

The first 2 weeks or so were a bit tough on her bottom. The first few days home she had a few minor accidents (getting to the bathroom just as she had to go so her undies were a bit soiled). And she had a little butt burn during those days. We think it was more because she still had so little food in her system. Within 2 weeks she was good at controlling her system and the butt burn was gone.

To the hospital, we took toilet paper (the hospital stuff is usually scratchy), and Desitin baby ointment (the stronger version). We also bought wipes. We learned about some things to bring on the j-pouch website. She used the wipes and the ointment in the hospital the last day.

When she got home, she started using Cottonelle wipes (instead of the generic wipe). Much better for her bottom!

She went back to school 3 weeks after her surgery (that included Thanksgiving vacation when school is closed anyway). No leaks, no accidents. She did carry around a change of stuff and wipes and ointment.

She is having a great senior year in high school. She has a relaxed look on her face that we haven't seen in 2 years.

I wish you luck.

Thanks guys, Bennie I'm glad to hear your daughters doing well now.  So if suffering from the runs would you say it's better to eat rather than not eat?  It's bad enough to know I will need the toilet a lot but awful to think I might not make it there, oh please don't let that happen in hospital or the journey home