My surgery was done lapro also, but I agree with ks1905. 8 days - I was still begging for my pain pump. Yes, I had a little catheter that caused needle-like pain. It didn't stay in long and was...
The GelX worked ok for me. However the best were Diamond sachets. I had to order them from Amazon because they were difficult to find elsewhere....
Eating is somewhat trial and error. You will know when you eat something that you shouldn't. I stayed on a low-fiber diet because it was easiest. Sometimes if I was going to be home and didn't mind...
I'm about a week after my takedown and I'm experiencing the same things. My nurse says that the pouch is sensitive because it's never been used before. Its trying to figure out its new role - because...
I had 3 steps. Both of the surgeons I interviewed said it was best. My cousin had 2 steps because he was so sick that his rectum couldn't stay in. I do wish I had the 2 step option because my UC...
I agree with ks1905 and notsosicklygirl. I just completed the 3rd and final surgery and the only thing I regret is not doing it sooner. If I was your age, I would give Remicade and Entyvio a try. I...
5 months isn't terribly long - especially when compared to the length of your entire journey. For me, it would really depend on how my body was managing prednisone side effects. If I could handle...
I had a horrible allergic reaction to Karaya. It absorbed into my bloodstream and I had hives all over. So just use it someplace else on your body to test it out first....
I agree about IV fluids. I go about once every 6 weeks to stay on track. There's a new product called Drip Drop that has more sodium and electrolytes than anything else. Remember to eat when...
When I 1st got my loop it drive me crazy. It won't stand up, it's short, it sinks down under the wafer. The constant burning, leaking, size changes, constantly changing bags, soreness, etc. after...
I think it's all relative. How miserable are you now? I personally hit rock bottom 3 times before agreeing to surgery. The surgical process and recovery were horrific. Many days I begged for my UC...
Sound about right to me. I waited a long time for surgery for exactly that reason. My UC was well controlled, even in full remission, until it wasn't. Even after I started going back downhill I had...
Yep - I'll finally be finished with this ostomy business in less than 1 month. I'm predicting and claiming a successful outcome (while trying to calm my fears)....
You will love Rubin. He is so gentle and patient. It took me a while to get to surgery and I don't regret the time I spent trying various drug options and clinical trials. The time spent trying...
Thanks. Found out today that I can't move the surgery. So I need to carefully plan and make sure I do everything I can to recover quickly. My next step is a shopping spree :). I want to make sure I...
You are right to be concerned and it's good that you are being proactive. I have struggled with my loop and didn't really work that hard in the beginning. As a result, I've visited th ER about 4-5...
I've only used the enema in the rectum. It wasn't pleasant and it really didn't work. I was told that the Corrifoam is more effective because it stays in place longer. It was much easier to insert....
I just had my first allergic reaction and it might be about as bad as yours. I switched up my routine and tried a Karaya gum barrier ring. Within 18 hours, by entire upper body, neck, face, hands,...
Thanks for the encouragement. It is a chill vacation - just a cruise with no island excursions. I purchased travel insurance. I learned that from my colitis days. I just don't want to ruin it for the...
I'm currently scheduled to have takedown surgery exactly 4 weeks and 1 day before taking a 3 hour flight and 8-day cruise. I was told that recovery from the last surgery is simple (in comparison to...
I'm female, but I had similar issues and pain. Most of it turned out to be OBGYN issues caused by the surgeon knocking other organs around while creating my J-pouch. However, to ease my pain my...
Coloplast makes them oval for exactly this reason I'm guessing....
The trick with the Osto Vent is that it needs to be attached at least 24 hours before using it. That's the main reason why I don't use them. I'm not that organized. The 1 time I tried to cheat the 24...
There are great deals on eBay and Amazon. Not sure if they ship internationally....
I've seen quite a few UofC IBD doctors since 2011 and they all have been amazing - even the fellows and residents. I'm kind of a regular there because I've been so sick. Everyone remembers me and...