Hi Crohnielass
For me I was told that as it was an end ileostomy they would have to open my mid line scar and I would have to have an epidural and would be in hospital for 10 days at least. They obviously never looked at their notes because when I went in they told me the surgeon had sewn the other side where they could get to it through the ostomy site. Therefore I never had an epidural just morphine. I surprisingly didn't have to do any prep at all I was told to just not eat anything after midnight the night before my op.
The operation lasts for about 1 hour. When I came round I was in a bit of pain but I was determined to get up as soon as possible so they took me off the morphine quite quickly as it made me spaced out (not enjoyable for me unfortunately haha). I can't quite remember when I was put on soft foods like icecream and soup I'm sure it was the next day. 2 days later I had to go to the loo but it wasn't anywhere near as bad as I'd thought. I walked an awful lot as I was determined to get out and get better. I was discharged on the 4th day. I've never suffered from the butt burn I've read about.
I was told to eat what I liked but I stuck to a simple diet for 2 weeks. Then I was given imodium to take as I please, I only really take it if I'm going out just to give me the confidence. I have to say I had a fair bit of pain for the first few weeks but nothing strong pain killers didn't take care of it certainly didn't make life worse I think it's more the fear of what if somethings wrong as the threads I've read haven't really mentioned pain. I feel fantastic now and can jump around like a spring chicken which is fortunate as I have a 3 year old son haha. Just the relief of not waiting for the surgery makes any pain go away I'd worked myself up into quite a frenzy about it but now you wouldn't believe I've been through anything.
If there's anything at all I might help you with don't hesitate to write I'l be wanting to know how you got on :) Good luck! x