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Question after Takedown Procedure

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Posted 11/12/2015 6:33 PM (GMT 0)
Hello, I just finished my take down procedure after formation of an S pouch on October 15th.

I have a question. I've had good days and bad days since i've been home. Gone as few as 4-5 times during a day and night. Then as many as 10-15 a day and night.

1)I've had some urgency and a feeling i don't know how to describe, but it feels like my rectum is filling up with gas and like i have go to the bathroom many times throughout the day. It's not painful, it just feels like if i don't go to the toilet i could have a problem. It's like my muscles are almost having a spasm down there trying to hold something in. Is this normal?
2) Butt burn has been so bad some days that I've noticed some blood when i wipe. Normal?
Posted 11/13/2015 2:04 AM (GMT 0)
There's an adjustment period that can take several months. Everything you're describing sounds normal to me. I remember those spasm like sensations. As for the butt burn, get yourself a good barrier cream. I like to use Calmospetine. Use something with a good amount of zinc oxide in it. Apply after each time you go so it helps protect and heal the skin. I'm five years with my j pouch and I still have some days when the butt burn is bad and the area will bleed a bit when I wipe. It's almost always food related as in I ate something I usually dont. Things will calm and settle over time.
Posted 11/13/2015 3:21 AM (GMT 0)
I haven't gone through my takedown yet - 11 days to go! - but I also read that applying the barrier cream right before you go (in addition to applying the cream right after you go/rinse/clean up) can help protect the skin by providing a fresh layer of zinc oxide. I thought that idea made sense conceptually so wanted to pass that idea on.
Posted Yesterday 6:58 PM (GMT 0)
I'm about a week after my takedown and I'm experiencing the same things. My nurse says that the pouch is sensitive because it's never been used before. Its trying to figure out its new role - because that tissue used to do something different.

I walk or exercise 5-10 minutes after each meal to cut down on the gassy, full feeling. For butt burn, I don't use tissue- only wipes. I also use Calmospetine and a thick aloe cream. I sit in a tub of shallow warm water every night before bed. Others on the forum have recommended a travel bidet from Amazon, so I'm going to try that too.

Good Luck and know that you aren't alone!
Posted Yesterday 11:58 PM (GMT 0)
I am about 10 days out too. Congrats to you all!!! I have a lot of the same stuff you describe. It actually sounds like you're doing better than I am. I go quite often and I usually go right after eating. I know part of my issue is mental because of the UC, I just do not fully trust my butt, so I am quick to go to the toilet at even the slightest urge. I am working on this. A few times in the night, I have had really firm little pebbles that hurt badly to pass. I have been using all sorts of creams and a handheld bidet, which is seriously a lifesaver. I use that to clean off and then I blot with toilet paper to dry or i use a wet wipe. My butt hurts sometimes anyway, usually in the middle of the night it's the worst. I have calmoseptine, which I love. I also have lidocaine ointment, I use that in the night when things are bad. I also have sensicare protective barrier that I've been using :) I am loaded up on stuff. I try to use it even when things are good. I need to protect.
Posted 11/30/2015 1:29 AM (GMT 0)
I'm going for my second takedown in 10 days. I have not had butt burn in years, 14 years out, I wonder if I'll have it after this one? Maybe I should order some cream. Calmospectine too I like.
How is the pain and fatigue? I can't remember and I'm trying to prepare. Dreading wound packing :(
Posted 11/30/2015 3:50 AM (GMT 0)
susan, i wouldn't worry. I am excited for you. I am struggling a bit with frequency but part of my problem is just that I empty whenever I go to the toilet, even if I don't need to. I just feel like I might as well. I want to go when I need to and stop emptying unnecessarily but I guess since it's more like peeing, it's just what it is. I have butt burn, I think i would get the bidet or the calmospetine if I were you. Wet wipes are great too. All this stuff is reasonable price and helpful so why not? :) Good luck. Can't wait to hear about how you're doing.
Posted 11/30/2015 1:41 PM (GMT 0)
I got my first bidet as a present to myself 15 years ago after takedown number 1! At some point I need to replace my portable Toto which recently broke. I take it with me on trips.
Nervous and excited 10 days and counting
Posted 11/30/2015 7:05 PM (GMT 0)
Good luck Susan! I am getting a lot of use out of my bidet since my takedown (exactly one week ago today). It'll be here before you know it.
Posted 11/30/2015 7:11 PM (GMT 0)
Susan,

Good luck. For many people there is an adjustment period with their pouch where it grows/stretches/adjusts. I would think that your pouch has already adjusted from your original surgery so it might be minimal.
Posted 12/6/2015 3:30 PM (GMT 0)
I have the same kind of urgencies, I feel the gas, but the gas won't come out. I think it's just a process for your muscles to get used to releasing gas instead of stool. Also, try and wipe with water, that helps dilute some of the acid around your anus. And the protective barrier cream will help before and after you go to the bathroom.
Posted 12/6/2015 5:33 PM (GMT 0)
I am learning to pass gas. I did it a few times yesterday with good success. We need to get our confidence back. If we can pass gas, we can go to the toilet a heck of a lot less often.
Posted 12/7/2015 7:32 PM (GMT 0)
The spasms are totally normal. Mine got a lot better in the first few weeks, and then gradually disappeared completely over the first year or so. Now I only get them if I ignore an urge to go for a few hours, which is rare.
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