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I miss my ostomy

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Posted 10/20/2013 7:25 PM (GMT 0)
I had my takedown on October 9th. Been going to the bathroom around 8 times a day and once at night. I've been feeling frustrated the past couple days because I can't eat like I did with my bag. I have to think twice about what I eat and if I'm going to pay for it later. And I feel like I'm worried to go in public in case I have to go to the bathroom while I'm out, it just seemed easier with the bag.

I know it'll take a while to adjust but I just need to vent.
Posted 10/20/2013 9:03 PM (GMT 0)
No that this will be of any solace to you, but I'm due for j-pouch contruction in the next couple of months. The problems you are having are exactly what are making me have second thoughts. Eight times a day is comparable to the bag and better than Colitis, so what is it that's troubing you? I'm assuming it's urgency and incontinence, which I certainly don't want to go through two more surgeries for, or even a third if having to go back to a stoma.
Posted 10/20/2013 9:31 PM (GMT 0)
Totally understand. But it is sooooo early in your recovery process. I definitely missed the bag quite a lot in the first month or even two. Remember, no matter what kind of surgery you have, even if you still had an ostomy, you would need to watch your diet quiet carefully 11 days afterwards -- you can't judge your j-pouch on the immediate post-op period.

Nights were definitely the most frustrating for me this early. I remember feeling like I could *never* really relax and wishing I still had a bag so urges wouldn't distract me from sleeping. It gets better! Promise!
Posted 10/20/2013 10:45 PM (GMT 0)
It's only been about 2 weeks. Your body needs time to heal and adapt to your new plumbing and it doesn't happen overnight. It's very easy to get discouraged but you have to remember what you have just been through these past several months. This procedure takes patience. Most surgeons probably do not stress that enough to their patients and I think people are surprised when they don't bounce back as quick as they thought they would. I know its hard but before you know it this will all be behind you. In the mean time, vent away and hang in there :)
Posted 10/20/2013 10:58 PM (GMT 0)
Thanks everyone, I know I need to have patience and I did expect to be in the bathroom lots, my surgeon told me the first while is 'rough'. I'm just having a down day, the j pouch isn't that bad and I am going to the bathroom less than I was told I would initially.

@silent: I don't have urgency or incontinence (except for the one time I tried passing gas standing up lol, won't try that again for a while). I am able to hold it until I can get to a bathroom.
Posted 10/20/2013 11:18 PM (GMT 0)
That's good to know about the lack of incontinence and urgency. Brings back many bad times from the UC days, and I'd definitely take a stoma over that
Posted 10/20/2013 11:32 PM (GMT 0)
I definitely would too! I had a lot of incontinence with UC and am glad I haven't had issues with it after takedown. The surgeon said it happens for some people at night but I haven't had that problem.
Posted 10/20/2013 11:53 PM (GMT 0)

Silent Lucidity said...
Eight times a day is comparable to the bag ....


holy cow shocked if I empty more than four times a day then I wonder what is going on

Silent Lucidity said...
Eight times a day is ... better than Colitis, ...


very true, 800 is closer or at least it seemed like it sometimes
Posted 10/21/2013 3:51 AM (GMT 0)
Hang in there!! I had my takedown on the 11th of October. I have been very surprised that I'm not in the washroom more... Going about 6-8 times a day and mostly once in the night (depending how late I eat). Unlike you I do not miss my ostomy (I hated that thing). Although I do still get frustrated right now, mostly with butt burn :(
Posted 10/22/2013 10:43 PM (GMT 0)

MeanDean said...

Silent Lucidity said...
Eight times a day is comparable to the bag ....


holy cow shocked if I empty more than four times a day then I wonder what is going on

Silent Lucidity said...
Eight times a day is ... better than Colitis, ...


very true, 800 is closer or at least it seemed like it sometimes


Many days I go about 10, but that's overkill as I just don't like stuff in the bag. Then there are the "gassy" days. Any company that develops a filter that works is on to mucho $$$$$$. All being said and done, I'll settle for this over urgent toilet sprints, soiled clothing, pain, puking, bleeding etc. No apologies for being so graphic, you've all been through it!
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