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8 Days Post Takedown

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Ostomies
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Posted 11/12/2011 7:26 PM (GMT 0)
Well it's been a while since I've posted here.

My ostomy got the best of my and my depression eventually skyrocketed. I focused on getting my Crohn's under control so they could do the takedown because I needed it gone for my own sanity. I am thankful for the procedure as it saved my life, and I know some of you can't imagine not having your ostomy, but for me it just couldn't be permanent.

8 days ago I finally went in to have my takedown surgery. I wasn't nervous at all really and I'm still not sure it's completely sunk in. I'm still holding my stomach as I did with the ostomy. And its still most comfortable for me to wear elastic skirts. I'm sure it will sink in eventually and I'm very thankful everything went so smoothly. The doctor even said it went better than he expected.

My bm's are very frequent and runny still which I'm sure is normal. My appetite isn't great but I'm working on it. I'm sticking mostly to LRD even though I was given no dietary instructions upon discharge. I'm reading online a lot of people go with LRD so at least I feel I'm on the right track.

The long incision across my belly button has been leaking yesterday and today pretty considerably. I don't have much more pain than usual but it's definitely bothersome. I'll be calling my doctor on Monday. It's still very surreal. I stood in front of the mirror naked and felt more like me than I have in 14 months. I don't know how you lifers do it but I have so much admiration for you. I know being an ostomate is still a possibility for my future but at least for now I have a chance at life without it. Thank you all for always being so supportive while I was going through the initial phases of trying to figure everything out. I am taking my leftover supplies and donating them to a local charity that works with people with no insurance. I have seen people sell supplies on eBay and Amazon but I know first hand what it's like to try to do it without insurance and I feel giving back is the only logical thing to do.

I hope you're all doing well. Thank you again for being you.
Posted 11/13/2011 6:04 PM (GMT 0)
Just wanted to wish you the best on your Takedown surgery.   My son  is scheduled for phase 2 of three phase surgery on Dec 23.    We are hoping if all goes well he will have his Takedown surgery in February or March.

I read what you said about donating your Ostomy supplies.   I would love to know where to go to donate the supplies that we dont use ( he was allergic to some brands).  I know how expensive they are and am sure that there is someone that can benefit from them.

Where do you donate your supplies to?

thanks and the best of luck to you in your recovery  cool

Posted 11/13/2011 6:41 PM (GMT 0)
My GP and surgeon work for a place called Shepard's Hope here in FL and they work with low income individuals. My GP was telling me a story about someone with an ostomy that was reusing a bag for two months! I am going to donate to that organization. You could try to look something up online or talk to your sons doctors and see if they have any suggestions. If you'd like help let me know where you are and I'll see if I can help at all.
Posted 11/13/2011 7:06 PM (GMT 0)
I posted some places to donate supplies on this thread https://www.healingwell.com/community/default.aspx?f=33&m=2250928
Posted 11/16/2011 10:32 PM (GMT 0)
I'm going to be having my takedown in december and am curious to know if you find yourself running to the bathroom and if you ever have leakage. Those are the two things I'm most worried about.

I'm just like you in that I could not live with the pouch on my belly for the rest of my life. I went to multiple doctors until i found one who was willing to give me a chance with the j pouch. so far so good, he says everything looks good. I've never had crohns in my small bowel so hopefully i'll ok for the long term. i can only hope.

I also have a similar issue with my j pouch incision in that near the bottom of this 8in vertical incision it drained small amounts of mucus after the surgery until one day i changed the bandage and was presented with a hole in my abdomen about the size of a pencil eraser head. There was quite a bit of drainage at this point and i realized that i needed to be changing this bandage and cleaning the area at least 3 times a day. I have been doing it for two weeks and since then the hole has gotten bigger(about the size of a quarter) but the skin underneath it seems to be growing shallower and healing(hopefully). I said something to the doc and he said its a common thing to have happen after surgery and to take care of it like i've been doing.

It stings a bit but i'll wait it out. ;)
Posted 11/16/2011 11:52 PM (GMT 0)
I don't find myself running to the bathroom too often. Maybe 10-12 times a day. The hardest thing for me has been sleeping. Because of the incisions I find sleeping mostly sitting up easiest, but between the bathroom breaks and the incision leaking I'm up 3-5 times a night, maybe more. I know this will subside and I was up that often with my ostomy anyway so its not too much different. The only leaking I'm having is the incision that I already spoke about which my doctor too says is completely normal. I go back for my follow up on the 18th so we will see exactly how I'm doing then. I already feel a huge sense of relief with the bag being gone, even though I'm not up to par yet. Good luck with your reconnect. If you have any other questions please let me know.
Posted 11/17/2011 4:22 AM (GMT 0)
I'm thrilled to hear that your doing well and on your way to recovery! I'm sure it's such a relief to see your body without an ostomy being attached to it. Maybe it will be in the cards for me too. Best of wishes!!!
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