I got to have two takedowns, since my first one ended with peritonitis, urgent surgery and a second ileostomy. The second stoma was horrible, I got terrible lesions on my skin and had to work from home. Fortunately that heals fast after takedown. I'm only 4 months out - doc said it would take a year to adjust - but even with issues (lack of sleep, butt burn etc.) it is miles better than the stoma. I only had one 'accident' - fortunately I was sleeping on a chux - my first night home from the hospital. I stayed in the hospital nearly a week, having been quite miserable with ileus for a few days post surgery. Then I worked from home for two weeks, wish I could have done four as I had a very hard time getting through a day of work when I went back. Get a squirt bottle and take it to the hospital, 'cos once you start to go you will want to rinse and pat dry. Oh, and take some zinc oxide cream as well. If you are obsessive about using it your butt will be grateful. Let us know how it goes!