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Posted 10/28/2011 5:37 PM (GMT 0)
Hl-
I had my takedown surgery almost 2 weeks ago. Boy it was alot rougher than I thought I'd be!

At home recovering and I have some questions:

1. I'm pooping like crazy! I can't even sleep well. When will this slow down? I feel like I have UC again.

2. My rectum burns! Any suggestions?

3. What is recovery time realistically. I know we are all different.

4. Anyone else get depressed after going thru all this?
I am so down in the dumps
Posted 10/28/2011 5:50 PM (GMT 0)
Hi!

1. Ok I know it's hard but 2 weeks post take down this is totally normal. Your BMs should start to decrease in a week or 2 although everyone is different. It took about 3 weeks for me to start to notice a change and then it just got better from there. Did your dr. talk to you about taking Imodium to slow things down?

2. Buy yourself some Calmoseptine ointment. You can get it at Walgreens if you have one near you or you can order it from Amazon.com. It works great! Apply everytime you use the bathroom.

3. Recovery time really varies from person to person. I was totally fine a month after take down and back to my normal daily routine.

4. I was depressed after my first step of surgery. And it's normal to feel that way too. You are not alone. I felt much better after take down when I started to finally feel better.

Hope you feel better soon....hang in there it really does get better! Patience one of the hard things about this surgery.
Posted 10/29/2011 1:18 AM (GMT 0)
Marianne is right it will get better! I am about 7 weeks out from take down. Immodium makes my stomach hurt so I try to slow things down with the foods I eat. I was going 19 times a day at first but after a month it was only around 8. I had constant burning and used calmoseptine (after trying A & D ointment and desitin I prefer calmoseptine) but the burning wouldn't stop! So, I finally stopped using the ointment and just used baby wipes to make sure I was totally clean. Since then the burning is very rare! Maybe I was just sensitive to the ointment? I would try the ointment but I think the wipes (or bidet) helps more than anything! I felt pretty darn good by week 5. I'm still battling depression from the whole ordeal though each day it gets better. best of luck to you!
Posted 10/29/2011 3:22 AM (GMT 0)
I'm so relieved that I'm not alone as far as depression goes. Such a major life change I guess it's to be expected.


Thanks for the suggestions! I will try them all.
Posted 10/29/2011 3:51 AM (GMT 0)
Only because I have read this ...... many people recommend a bidet and or an attachment that can be attached to your toilet for it to perform like a bidet. That may be something in addition you might like to explore.

We had a guy mentor us as my husband was hopefully going to be able to get a j-pouch but it wasn't meant to be....he mentioned what worked for him was using Desitin after every time he had a movement to keep it from being too irritated and sensitive.
Posted 10/29/2011 8:29 PM (GMT 0)
It just takes a while for the body to adjust to the new plumbing. I felt pretty good 2-3 weeks out but I still had some feelings of urgency for about six months. But it's not like UC, because the feeling would come and go within a couple of seconds. Each month gets a little better. I know it's frustrating but you just have to wait it out - it will be worth it. I highly recommend the bidet attachment. Mine is made by Coco - you can google it - but you can find cheaper models that don't require a nearby outlet. Mine has a heated seat and shoots out warm water. Can't imagine my life without it. It took my quality of life up several notches. Never have to use creams anymore. Check into it!

 

Posted 10/30/2011 4:56 PM (GMT 0)
Thank you all for your responses. I am feeling a tad bit better everyday.

I am seriously considering a bidet. Are they pricey? Won't wipes work just as well?

I have been eating anything and everything?
How likey is a blockage with a j-pouch? Are the more common with the stoma? I was in the hospital like six times due to dehydration and blockages.
Posted 10/30/2011 5:25 PM (GMT 0)
Marianne, I have looked for the calmoseptine ointment or something similar to it, but I have not found anything - do you have to ask the pharmacy for it or is it just in a certain section of Walgreens?

Thanks,
Ali
Posted 10/30/2011 9:38 PM (GMT 0)
I ordered my calmoseptine on Amazon.com. Bidets can be pricey but some people swear by them. For me, the wipes work just fine but maybe if you are really sensitive, the wipes might irritate?
Posted 10/30/2011 9:43 PM (GMT 0)
I bought Calmoseptine at Walgreens - ask the pharmacist where it is. Bidets come at all price points. The ones that don't require electricity come pretty cheap. Wipes are better than toilet paper but the cost still adds up. Plus, there's still some rubbing taking place. In the meantime, fill a squirt bottle with warm water and spray after you go then pat dry with toilet paper.

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