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J-Pouch Stage 3

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Ulcerative Colitis
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Posted 12/29/2012 9:52 AM (GMT 0)
I just completed stage 3 of the J-Pouch procedure yesterday morning. Those of you who have had this done before: what can I expect the first month or two? Are the bowl movements uncontrollable at first? Should I eat light the first months? So far I haven't had a bowl movement or eaten much. Any input or suggestions is appreciated! Thanks!

Sean
Posted 12/29/2012 12:28 PM (GMT 0)
Everyone is different after takedown but expect it to be a bit crazy for the first several weeks while your body adjusts to its new plumbing. I suggest going easy with food....especially now right after surgery. I ate yogurt, bagels, peanut butter, grilled chicken, rice, potatoes right when i go home from the hospital. After a few weeks I was eating whatever I was making for my family. Listen to your body. I kind of just knew when I could get more adventurous with foods.

You should have total control of your bm's. Some people may experience night time leakage in the very beginning. I never had that and I was always able to hold it til I got to the bathroom. You will be going a lot but you will notice your frequency going down over the coming weeks.

One thing that is a problem for most everyone is butt burn. If you haven't already, buy some Calmopseptine ointment. It's fantastic for that. I still use it but not as much as I did in the beginning. I'm sure I will be using it today as I ate buffalo wings last night!

Gauge your recovery in weeks, not days. Hopefully your recovery will be smooth but it does require patience. Congrats on being done with all the surgeries and enjoy pooping again! ;)
Posted 12/29/2012 4:22 PM (GMT 0)
Thanks for the input, I was given a guide that told me what to expect, but I prefer hearing it from someone that has been through the procedure. Having control of my bm's is my greatest concern, with UC I pooped myself in front of every co-worker at least once, I am hoping those days are over. You listed my favorite foods, so I should have no problems with that diet. Thanks again!
Posted 12/29/2012 4:58 PM (GMT 0)
I hope you will do well. Keep us updated.
Posted 12/29/2012 5:28 PM (GMT 0)

qsam6 said...
Having control of my bm's is my greatest concern, with UC I pooped myself in front of every co-worker at least once, I am hoping those days are over.

Yeah, me too....those days are long gone!
Posted 1/5/2013 8:41 AM (GMT 0)
Other than a short bought with Ileus, everything is going well. I did not expect to have this much control of my BM's immediately after surgery, this is great so far. It is funny, I keep expecting to start flaring again or something UC related to happen!
Posted 1/5/2013 11:24 AM (GMT 0)
Great news qsam! Sorry to hear about the ileus. Did you need an NG tube?
Posted 1/5/2013 7:03 PM (GMT 0)
Pluot,

Yes I did, but I have had so many NG tubes inserted that it no longer bothers me. I'm just glad this is was the final surgery and hopefully ileus, and NG tubes will be a thing of the past.
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