2nd surgery today at 3

Don't be scared, Shelby! Just another step in the journey and you can do it. Things that were easier for me: I already knew how to care for and change my ileostomy, my second incision was much smaller than the first one (had open surgery both times) so it was much less painful and easier to get around. I was used to the routine of my hospital and knew what to expect which helped a lot.

My loop ileo stoma is actually a lot smaller than the loop- end one that I had. You may notice your output is more watery and higher volume since this stoma is higher on your bowel. Your doctor may want you to take some Imodium to help with that, but you might not need it.

I felt like my initial recovery was so much easier than the first surgery. I ended up back in the hospital with a complication, but it was something that could have happened with any of the steps....just makes it hard for me to really compare the two since it was something I didn't deal with the first time around.

You will be just fine....after all, you've been there and done that! Good luck to you and I wish you a smooth surgery and speedy recovery.

I don't want to sound like the doom and gloom person. And REMEMBER EVERYONE'S EXPERIENCE IS DIFFERENT.

I had a horrible time with my second surgery. I had a different surgeon and because I had my surgery in July, I probably had some med students in the surgery room while I was out. My incision down my stomach came apart and became inflamed and my skin was burning terribly. The loop is not prettier and easier than what you had before. I had a time trying to find a bag and wafer to fit properly. I was depressed after this surgery because nothing was going right. But I'm happy with the j-pouch. It was worth all the problems. Mine resulted from an emergency - sudden bloody diarrhea got worse and wasn't diagnosed with severe UC until went to emergency room with a blood count of 6 & going to the bathroom every hour. Bleeding wouldn't stop so I had to have colon removed.