Question for j- pouchers

Painkillers determine the driving situation. I drove even while on painkillers (whoops) but waited probably around 3 weeks postop.

I think I drove myself to the first follow up a week after surgery. I was off meds and I was careful. YOu definitely don't want to stretch or bend in any way that hurts you.

Good luck. Surgery is never something we hope for, but I think it's smart to do it, and move on with life, rather than struggle for years and years, especially if you've been through all of the treatment options. Life after surgery has some benefits, not worrying about drugs, no more frequent doctor appointments, no medical expenses. I haven't even spent close to my deductible any year since surgery. Prior, I would be spending the max out of pocket, which was definitely 3 or 4 thousand dollars. It's not a ton of money, but over the course of years, it adds up. UC made my life very difficult, I was undependable, couldn't work fulltime, couldn't travel, couldn't make plans... not to say it's all peachy since, I do go more often, but that for me, is much easier than the alternative. I hope you have an easy recovery.

I hope that everything went well today. Try to get up and walk around tomorrow, it helps the recovery process.

You had a big surgery today, most of us have the 3-step surgery so when we talk about our first step it is the colon removal. I was driving two weeks after my first surgery. I had some very minor complications after my 2nd surgery (21 days in the hospital) due to high-output from my stoma. So it was about a month before I was driving again.

Order samples of ostomy supplies to find a brand that you like; I was a big fan of Coloplast. Make sure to try some of their accessories like the barrier stripes and protective sheet (that really helped my skin).

If you're having problems with your ostomy you can post here or on the ostomy forum; we've all been there and have solutions the normal issues with ostomies. Once you find the products that work well for you then it will be smooth sailing.

Congratulations. You're on your way to a healthier life! You must be doing pretty well considering you're able to get here and update us. I think i was down for a few days after the first step. You're having 2 step too, that means, the worst is definitely in the past. 8 weeks & you reconnect, and welcome a new life without drugs and without missing out on life events... good luck.

Thanks everyone! Going to try walking more today. So far, so good!