Looking for 3-steppers, have some questions about the 2nd and 3rd op's.

 

I'm going to be plannint my step 2 and 3 soon. Step 3 - the take-down - will take place 4 weeks after step 2, assuming there are no complications.

My basic question is, how much time after take-down do I need to stay home? When can I go back to work, and how many bowel movements should I expect at that point?

Also - the 2nd operation, when they form the J-pouch and give me a loop illeostomy - is that much heftier than the collectormy?

What differences should I expect between the end ileostomy and the loop?

Thanks, Suebear,

I have mucus and blood several times a day, and no, the doctors didn't tell me about that either but the stoma nurse said it was normal. I'm glad to read you say it is a sign of healthy tissue! I actually moved a small piece of stuhl about 10 days after my collectormy, it was so weird because I couldn't understand where it was "coming from", it hurt too, but the stoma nurse said it happens to a lot of patients.

I am not looking forward to having a loop illeo, but it will only be for 4 weeks and 2 weeks of that will be in the hospital. If there's a leak in the hospital or when I'm at home, I'll just change the bag. As long as it doesn't happen in public or when I'm at work. And then it's just a matter of days before I won't have a stoma at all.

Thanks once again, it's really important to know what you can realistically expect!

Hi B'Dereh! I couldn't tell you how much time you'll need off after the take-down because I haven't had that yet, but I have had my other two steps done.

My 2nd surgery was a LOT tougher one me than the first and it took me a while to recover. I think in general it's harder on people because it's more complicated and the surgeon has to go in there and do a lot more. Although I'm pretty sure some of the complications I had were unique to me. Like I went home with the JP drain still in me and it caused me so much pain I could barely walk, but I've talked to others who had no issues with the drain at all.

My stoma for my loop ileo is a lot smaller in circumference than my end ileo was. And in the beginning it was nearly flat but now it sticks out a tiny bit more. I have a lot of problems with leaks, ugh. My loop ileo is also a lot more active than the end ileo was and I got dehydrated very easily. But since you'll only have to deal with it for 4 weeks total I think you'll handle it better than I have. I've had my loop ileo since late August and my takedown isn't for another 3 weeks.

Oh, and right after surgery there is a plastic bar that will go through the stoma to keep it in place, but they remove it within a week or so.

Good luck with everything!

I had to start using the convex as soon as I got the loop! If you're already using a convex you might be fine. Also you never know, your loop might stick out more than mine does.