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I will say, for the record, I hated mine but managed and got thru it.
I had a temp ileostomy for 2 years. I was like you when I first found out I was going to have it. But you adjust! And speaking from my experience, I thought it would be this scary and gross thing but it wasn't! I also really enjoyed not having the urge to use the bathroom with the ostomy.
The suggestions above are great. I would like to mention that if you call the ostomy suppliers, they send free sample of their products! I remember I called Convatec and they sent me different kinds of bags and wafers so that you can see what type works best for you! I live in Canada but I'm assuming they do the same in the states.
Follow the dietary instructions after surgery and ask your doc all the questions on your mind (and ask us too if you need advice!)
Zee
My son was diagnosed with FAP at 17, had his colon removed then with no issues. In October 2014, his rectum was getting polys with low grade dysplasia so he had to have his rectum removed and a temporary ileostomy for 3 months before his take down surgery. In the beginning it was rough because he would have leaks at night until he learned how to avoid that. He is also 20 years old so he was pretty self conscience about it. His ostomy nurse was fantastic. He had his take down surgery in April at the University of Chicago and so far everything is going great. He has had some issues with scar tissue causing the connection to get smaller but that was taken care of. Something to ask your surgeon before you get your J-Pouch surgery - will he handsew the connection? This is highly recommended for FAP patients. We were also told that the FAP patients rarely have problems with pouchitis or some of the issues with the pouch. Anyhow, good luck!
Hang in there!! Have had j pouch 29 years - didn't like the ostomy - but yes, I agree with whoever above said - it was nice not to have to deal with frequent poops! I have had a few problems with the pouch over the years - mostly as I got older, but I've managed. My sister and dad also have pouch and they too have had some problems, but again, we have managed and I am now 52, sister is 46, father is 78. I hope that gives you some hope!