Hi All!
As promised, I am writing to discuss my experiences with the J-Pouch surgery. One week ago was surgery #2 for me. I am happy to be rid of The Bag after three very long months.
The second surgery started first thing Monday morning, and I left the hospital by Wednesday evening. I expected the surgery to be less painful than the first but I was wrong; not a huge problem though, as long as I take my pain meds consistently. It's wonderful to be able to shower without having to put saran wrap and tape over my stomach.
I can eat whatever I was eating prior to the second surgery, except I haven't yet tried to eat veggies like lettuce and tomato. I got this skin protectant from the hospital for my butt, since I need to let out diarrhea about 15 times/day. Not a lot comes out, but it's still painful to wipe even a small amount. I expected to have accidents, as I did when I had ulcerative colitis, when I couldn't make it to the bathroom in time, but I haven't. Surprisingly, I can hold it. Another thing that surprised me is seeing small but formed feces come out of me, so shortly after the surgery.
Anyway, no major problems to report so I am feeling confident that I made the right decision to get this surgery.
Please feel free to ask any questions, I am happy to clarify further or provide any more details.
I hope you are all doing well,
Cher