ActiveUCer - I think when they do it in three steps, they start with an end-ileo and then switch to a loop at step 2 when they create the j-pouch.
Hi, Ashlynn. Welcome to the forum.
I can't say I had any cramping per se, but there was definitely abdominal pain from the surgery when I tried to move around much. I'd say keep up with your pain meds since walking and moving will encourage healing and GI motility, and this will be a lot easier if you're not in pain. But if it seems like something that's not quite normal, or if the pain meds aren't doing the trick, then certainly put a call in to ask your surgical team about
it. That's what they're there for. Even if it is something that is typical, they may be able to prescribe a muscle relaxer or something to help. You should not have to be in that much pain.
Your output will depend on how much you're eating. I have a lot of output and end up emptying my bag quite frequently throughout the day, but it's because I eat a lot. Much of the fluids you drink could be picked up by your small intestine and coming out as urine, so you should base your output more on how much you're eating, not drinking. I wouldn't be concerned about
too little output unless you start to feel pain/bloating or other sings of a blockage (little-to-no output, and what does come out is very watery). Too MUCH watery output could sometimes indicate an issue that needs to be addressed, but as long as there's no blockage - and trust me, you'd KNOW if you had a blockage - too little is not really anything to worry about
.
Good luck and let us know if you have any other questions!
