One step forward, two steps back...

I am four days post-takedown. I keep seeing progress, and then going backwards... just with the process of waking up my bowels. Thought things were going well, got approved for solid foods, and then had what was probably the worst night of my life. On top of the vomiting, I have never felt so sick, ever. It's beyond nausea - I can't even explain what it feels like... just all bad, really, really BAD. They also gave me something to help push things down and out, so on top of that I've been having diarrhea of this clearish-greenish bile just spewing out of me... out of control, leaking all over myself and having to get up every couple minutes to hobble to the toilet. I can get to a semi-tolerable state if I'm laying down, but sitting or standing makes me feel like I want to die.

This morning things were somewhat more tolerable. I have spent most of the morning sleeping, and getting up to use the bathroom when I can. Back to nothing through the mouth... just sipping on a bit of water here and there. Was told I would be going home today, but that's obviously not happening. Now it's just a waiting game.

This will be your story for the next few months. The adaption to food, and the learning curve of the pouch takes a long time. Patience will be your best friend.

Sue

I threw up for a week after surgery but they sent me home after three days. You are lucky they are letting you stay in the hospital for so long. I was erupting from both ends and my poor husband was recovering from having stents put in his chest. It was truly nasty. We had no at-home help for the first week.
The good news is that you will be surprised at how quickly all of this will become a dim memory. Sucking on ice chips and popsicles helped me a lot. I didn't keep most of it down but I still think it helped me avoid an er trip due to dehydration. A heating pad was priceless because throwing up hurt my abdomen and back. Zofran and Fennergan had no effect so I just had to wait for my body to just adjust. It is hard but you will get better!

hey hey chick! i am so feeling what you are saying. i had same thing remember. i was in hospital for 7 days. my bowels didn't really wake up til day 9.
i was puking and sick and in agony. they didn't give me anything to help just said i had to wait it out.
i was about to go back to ER when BAM! it happened. day friggin 9!!!!

but i want to give you that light at the end of the tunnel.
it wasn't until day 9 (which in your 'boots' will seem ages away) that i even started to feel an inkling better.
now on day 11 or 12 i am totally ok. when shopping all day today, chased the toddler around the mall.
actually i am better than ok. i have no urgency whatsoever (knock on wood).
i have no butt burn. i only go to the toilet maybe 4-6 times if that.
no leaks or anything. it is the consistency of apple sauce when in the hospital and a few days ago it was straight up green liquid!
granted, there is still surgery gas in my belly and it is still distended and a bit uncomfortable.
but from going to a point where i wish i had a gun or a time machine to now in only a few days is pretty good.
keep hanging on and in the middle of that misery just think of me and KNOW that it will get better pretty quick. once things start to actually do their job.

good luck, you're a tough chick!

oh man.. this brings back memories of my reversal. Like you say if I'd had a gun I would have used it. So sorry you'd had such a rough time.. it really really sucks. Only those who've been there can really understand. I had some 'kind' friends bring me a cake and wine in hospital and I was literally ready to throw it at them!

Just hang in there hour by hour and hope you start to see some improvement soon. One thing I've learned is recovery isn't a linear process.. there are ups and downs and setbacks along the way and sometimes you wonder if you'll ever get through it. But you do and you will. Hope you feel a bit better today.. thinking of you.

I am saying this from experience: You will make yourself crazy if you gauge your progress in days. You really need to give it weeks, if not months. Since everyone is different, some folks bounce back quicker than others. Don't beat yourself up or get upset ( I know, easier said than done) It will all be fine in the end. Hope you feel better soon. :)

I haven't been in your shoes yet, but I do hope you are feeling better!

hang in there boot.
its fortunate that at least you are getting liquids out so you can avoid the dreaded NG tube.
for me.. the longer I went without food, the easier it was. appreciate those liquids because the alternate would be NPO... and for that long... it is seriously not fun.
keep walking, bending, twisting, jumping,.. anything you can do.
your gut will have to get moving at some point! hoping today is the day for you.
good luck.

"I know I still have a long road ahead of me and will not be counting days once I'm out of the hospital. ;-)
"

It doesn't have to always be a long road. There was this girl on here called JackieOMG. She had the J pouch takedown and I think she was released the same day and went to a party in town.

Something ridiculous like this lol.

I am three months post takedown, been in and out of the hospital 4 times for sudden dehydration caused by wild imbalances in electrolytes (NACL & potassium mostly). I could get better if I could eat more, but something always seems to mess up my appetite or ability to eat. I am sure I am clinically depressed, and am now on remerol to lift my mood and appetite. Remerol really zaps me out though and it's hard to get up to go to work. Gotta make that happen though. Most recently having bout with candidiasis which causes my tongue to hurt, and white deposits to form on my gums that also hurt. Dentist diagnosed that, and gave me (metronidazole)? That has seemed to help - managed to eat all weekend. Not sure how it's going now. All this stuff (over a dozen pills and two immulsions) is really getting to me, but I'm told I have to take it all. Well- we'll see.

Best of luck,

Wretched

Hey Boot, I saw your newest update on your blog. Congratulations, I didn't know you were pregnant?! I'm so happy for you. Is it a boy or a girl?

Geez, that's bad, I'm sorry. I had to, I couldn't help myself. lol.

Anyways, I hope you get better soon, I get that type of stomach once in a while also.

Hey. when your passing the poo, is there urgency? urgency is my bane. This is what I hate the most about this disease. Followed in second place by the blood.

Hey, do you have memory problems and stuff from the anesthesia? Do you feel like you forgot stuff?

The dad of a girl that works with me, had U.C., had surgery and has trouble remembering stuff prior to surgery. I think he was in his 30ies when he did it. Back in the 80s...

that's scary.