Posted 10/20/2011 1:44 AM (GMT 0)
2 days post op going home is rather quick. In general, 3-4 days for takedown, basically once he is going to the bathroom and eating normally. It can be painful during the first week to use the restroom simply because the rectum is gone, and now the spinchter muscles have to take over that function, which they've never done before. The cramping will dissipate over time. I had cramping for about 2 weeks post takedown, it's part of the bowel waking back up. If the cramping is bad, have him take a pain pill. I used my pain pills during those first 2 weeks regularly, and then weaned off over the third week. There is nothing wrong with taking a pain pill if you need it. If he's having pain from his skin, you can get him an ointment, calmoseptine, from any pharmacy, just ask the people behind the counter as it is not kept on shelves, but you don't need a prescription. And buy wet wipes. Never ever ever use dry toliet paper if you can avoid it. Any reside will eat at his skin, and the wet wipes will clean everything off better to avoid that. (also I was on the pain pump until they told me I was going home that day.)
Pudding like poop is right where it should be. Watery is not what you want with Jpouch. It can happen from time to time, but if it's watery for several days, that's no good. I was always told it will be like applesauce, but come out in globs (nice visual! lol)