Itâs tough, especially initially. I had a single stage surgery four years ago, so I went from having an extremely poorly functioning colon to waking up with a J-pouch all in one step. I get the impression that the recovery from this method is more intense, but at least itâs over and done with much more quickly.
In my case, I was released from the hospital 5 days after my surgery, only to be rushed back to the hospital by ambulance 12 hours later with a nearly ruptured stomach. My small intestine had not âwoken back upâ yet, so it was backing up into my stomach. I spent two more weeks in the hospital, 9 days of which I had a tube up my nose and into my stomach, with no food nor water allowed. Fun!
Honestly, the first year with a J-pouch was horrible. I was taking 16 pills a day just to keep from camping out in the bathroom. And I was sleep-deprived, much like you describe.
But, after that first year, it was almost like flipping a switch. I believe that my body adjusted. But more importantly, I think that I learned a number of habits and tricks that make my pouch function much better for me, and it has made a world of difference. I sleep through the night almost always (wake up, maybe, 1-2 nights a month) and I take NO medicine for my gut (or whatâs left of it).
I learned many of those practices from reading on this forum, or from researching reputable medical sites. But it seems like everyoneâs experience is a little different, and what works for me may not be what works for you. Still, I would be glad to share my experiences.
I see from your profile that you are in Durham. Is that UK? Or North Carolina?