What is the best cream for a burning bum after an ostomy closure

RITAS,  There are several creams on the market, I use a combination of them.  I use Ilex and cover it with vaseline since it is really sticky, and sometimes I'll use Calmoseptine.  The Calmoseptine has menthol in it so sometimes the initial reaction when you put it on s a quick burning, but then it cools.  I've also used Desitin.  You just have to find one or two that you like.  Also the best thing to do is when you feel it coming on, jump on it as quick as possible to minimize it.  Lots of warm soaking baths.  As for the itching, most of those creams will take care of that, but you can also develop a small yeast infection due to the location, moisture and lack of air to the area.  Some times I'll use Nystatin.  That knocks it down real quick, but you have to get it prescription.  Good luck to you.  Phil

RITAS,  I am 10 weeks post take down and I had an Ileostomy.  The take down surgery wasn't bad at all, they sutured me with two sutures and left it open to scar in.  That took about two weeks.  The night of the surgery wasn't bad at all as I still had all the medication and pain stuff in me.  In fact, I never really had any pain at all.  They sent me home with some darvocet, but I never took any.  My take down was on a Friday afternoon at 3, and I was awake and having a great time the rest of the evening.  Saturday wasn't too bad until about 8 or 9 P.M.  That's when everything woke up, and I was on the toilet constantly.  Rule 1.  Take your own T.P.  They have some pretty rough stuff there, and you will want something soft.  Also, I would recommend that before the system wakes up or right after it does, at the very least get some petroleoum jelly down there.  The worst part I experienced was the burn from the diarrhea. 

Like I said, my Saturday night was my hell night, and there was a point I was on the toilet having hot flashes and felt like I was going to vomit, but I only dry heaved a couple times because I had only had ice chips up to this point.  Good thing.  Anyway, that and the flashes only lasted about 15 minutes, and once the diarrhea subsided, I was back in bed and slept most of the night.  Sunday brought a new day and I was home by 3 P.M.  As far as venturing out, I think I stayed around the house for the first week, then short trips during the second week.  Best advice is as soon as possible after the surgery, get up and walk.  Walk when you get home, even if it's just through the house.

The hardest part was overcoming my urge to rush to the toilet whenever I felt the need which was often.  Old habit from the U/C day's, and still overcoming my fear of no toilets in the area, but getting better.  Try to hold it as long as possible, then go for it.  This helps build up your muscle.  Yes, I had two accidents, but I also took the liberty especially with creams on, to use a sanitary napkin.  I still use one on occassion if I am creamed up or just don't feel secure that day.  The thin ones are fine, just enough to get you to the john.  When you do dribble, it will feel like alot came out, but usually it's just a small bit.  I went back to work half day's during week 3 post take down and full time during week 4.  Mostly because I am assigned inside an office and have a bathroom.  Now I am anywhere between 5 and 10 movements per day, depending on what I eat.  Also you might want to stock up on some immodium to help slow things down if you need to.  I use a combination of the liquid and the tablets.  Actually, I buy the Walmart brand.  Same stuff, just a bit cheaper.  If I really get to running I use the liquid to give it a quick hit.  But mostly, I use the tablets and only about 4 per day now.  Two in the morning if I am feeling a bit queezie down there then a couple after lunch.  Let me know if you need anything else.  Good luck and keep us posted.  Phil

RITAS,  No problem on all the questions.  They are good ones and ones you need an answer to, so I'll try my best.  First off, I had no abdominal pain during any of my recoveries.  After the first and second ones, I was stapled shut and there was slight discomfort, but mostly only when they took the staples out.  As far as the take down though, I had two sutures spaced apart and for the most part the wound was opened.  I just kept it covered with a 4x4 gauze pad so as to catch any drainage.  There was some, but not nearly as much as the big incision from the first two surgeries.  about two weeks and it was all scabbed over about the size of a dime and life was great.  As for showering, that wasn't a problem.  I just didnt get too close to the actual incision with the soap, however I would recommend that if you don't have one already, get one of the showerheads with a hose that you can move around.  Makes for easier cleaning in all areas.  It doesn't have to be an expensive one, just a cheapy from Walmart will work.   That way I could get the nozzle to belly level and let the water clear the area easier.  No specific soaps or shampoo's that I used, as far as shampoo though again I used the hosed nozzle to keep most of that cleared as quickly as possible so it didn't invade the wound. 

Getting out of bed really wasn't a problem at all as I never really had any pain.  I only didn't make it once while in the hospital and that was the second night (my hell night), and dripped a bit on the floor on the way.  I thought about adult diapers, but decided not to and the embarrassment quickly wore off.  Again, I didn't have any pain as far as sitting, standing or walking.  It was really a breeze recovery with the exception of right when the bowel woke up.  Just for a couple hours really, then I regained some control.  Do I miss the bag?  Yes and no.  Yes, because I love to eat and with it, I could eat anything and lots of it.  Right now I can't, but I did have some things the other day that only a couple of weeks ago were a big no no for me.  So, I do see the light at the end of the tunnel, and I am feeling better every day.  Alot of it too is getting confidence back and breaking the habit of alway's running to the bathroom.  That is very convenient to do, but it's a mental thing that you have to overcome AS YOU PROGRESS.  Don't worry too much about it at first.  I don't remember feeling fullness with the appliance, but the worst part for me now is when I get gassy.  That is a bit painful, but usually Gas X will take care of that.  Good luck and keep me updated.  Phil