J-pouch questions

I had three steps and the first step for me was the hardest. Surgery was difficult, it's hard to go through the preps and procedures, the temp ileo, all the appointments... I was in and out of the hospital, with no complications with each step. The first 2 steps I was in longer (probably 5 days). The take down I was out within 36 - 48 hours. The hospital I went to only has single rooms, so I was by myself. The first night or two after the big surgeries, you're really reliant on the nurses to help you. They try to get you getting up on your own and walking quickly. The sooner you can do those things, the sooner you will get out of the hospital. When you have the ileo, the first few days, the nurses or assistants do all the emptying and caring for it. You don't change it yourself until you go home. I had a home nurse for a few appointments, she taught me to do that myself. It wasn't that difficult, and life with the ileo gave me freedom to be away from the toilet for the first time in years, and that was great. After takedown, you can expect to go to the bathroom often. The beginning adjustment is tough. You will go a lot and have very low capacity. Over the first few months with your new pouch, you will start to go less. Things become routine. I am thankful I no longer have UC to worry about, but i do miss the days of 1 solid stool a day.

What hospital are you having the surgeries at and how experienced is your surgeon?

rcrawford said...
University of Kentucky. I haven't met with me surgeon yet. Hopefully I will this week. My GI is very protective of her patients so I am pretty sure she will make sure I get a good surgeon.

I am in the area and would recommend asking any surgeon with whom you may consult how many j-pouch procedures they've performed. I haven't had surgery, but I've heard many say try to opt for an experienced surgeon (with good results) if you can.

Thank you for every thing