HealingWell
Search Close Search
☰

Two weeks post op - take down

Support Forums
>
Ulcerative Colitis
✚ New Topic ✚ Reply
❬ ❬ Previous Thread |Next Thread ❭ ❭
Posted 3/3/2012 10:51 PM (GMT 0)
Hi there,


I'm two weeks post op from take down surgery. Experiencing a lot of gas pains and urgency. Is this normal? Also, was not aware of the one inch deep incision left for you to care for yourself. It's awful. Any relief in the days weeks to come? I'm only 21 and have a lot ahead of me. Looking for hope.
Posted 3/4/2012 12:12 AM (GMT 0)
I am sorry you're having trouble. As far as I know, after take-down, you have to "relearn" to use your new plumbing. It's not as simple as just having surgery and feeling 100%.

Have you been to the ostomy board here on HealingWell? You would probably get a lot more response to your question there. Most of the people here on the UC board haven't had surgery.
Posted 3/4/2012 12:25 AM (GMT 0)
Oh those gas pains were the worst! But yes, it's normal (the frequency is normal too) and you will notice that they get better with each passing day. The frequency will start to subside too but you have to gauge your recovery in weeks not days. It's a huge adjustment for your body to make. You have to be patient with this as tough as it is. You'll get there. Has your surgeon told you to take Imodium to slow the frequency?

Is the inch deep incision you are referring to your stoma site? Some surgeons leave it open to heal but my surgeon sutured mine closed so I don't have experience with the open way to heal.

As notsosicklygirl mentioned, you can get many more responses on the ostomy board here or at jpouch.org. Hang in there...it does get better I promise!
Posted 3/7/2012 3:47 AM (GMT 0)
From what we were told, it's pretty much "anything goes" the first few weeks after takedown...meaning gas, many bowel movements, pain from healing, learning what foods you can tolerate and not tolerate, etc.  Your body has to get used to pooping all over again!

My daughter's stoma incision was stitched from the inside and it did look red and oozy for a while. Just keep an eye on it and call your Dr. if you think you might have an infection.

✚ New Topic ✚ Reply