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Reply to "PSC/UC"

Hello, Misscarriss. I went to my two step surgery without UC symptoms, and was healthy and strong. I was diagnosed with UC more than 30 years ago. Other than three or four flares per year, I was okay. I was not on any medication for UC, not even during the flares. So I went into surgery completely healthy and very strong. Except for stage 1 rectal cancer, which was very small and discovered early. I showed no symptoms of cancer at all. The cancer was removed along with the colon and rectum. 

So I was strong and healthy going in, and I know this helped in my speedy recovery after both surgeries. When I got home I ate whole foods (no processed or instant foods) focusing on nutritionally dense foods. This plan helped me heal so quickly that my surgeon approved my takedown at 10 weeks. I was relieved about the quick takedown time because my stoma was stubbornly retracted and caused excoriated skin.

After takedown I had pouchitis a few times during the first eight months and took Cipro for 14 day stretches, and a probiotic -- but not at the same time, always leave several hours in between. Now at 20 months after takedown I haven't needed Cipro for a year and no need for probiotics. After both surgeries I drank gallons of homemade bone broth and vegetable broth daily for salt and hydration. You can also buy organic broth to drink and cook with. Don't buy the ones that say "no added salt" because you definitely want the salt for hydration. I have to watch my blood sugar now and that means my carb intake is low and I avoid anything white (rice, bread, flour, sugars), which is probably helping me avoid pouchits. I eat brown rice cooked in broth, and this seems to help thicken things, which is good because thicker means fewer trips to the bathroom. 

Keep walking and moving after both surgeries to keep the blood and oxygen flowing. You won't be able to lift heavy things at first. You might have leakage in the beginning but wearing liners in your underwear and sleeping on towels should alleviate most worries until your pouch learns its new job. I don't need liners or towels now. Help your temporary ostomy, and later on your new pouch, by choosing your food and drinks carefully, chew everything very, very thoroughly so your pouch receives food that is already pulverized. I had one mild blockage because I ate brussel sprouts quickly without chewing carefully. The most important thing I learned, besides food choices, was to be positive. Worry when you need to, but restrict worrying time to 10 minutes, then move on. Stress ties your stomach in knots. I learned to let go of the small stuff. Best wishes to you. Let us know how you come along. Happy new year!

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