Hi, Nick.
If you are prepared with supplies, and know what to expect, you will be okay. You will probably experience frequency and resulting butt burn, but it will get better. As soon as I got my frequency under control, it was so much better. I wanted to try managing my consistency and frequency through food. I ate a lot of pasta, but no tomato sauce during recovery -- too acidic. Sweet potato, white potato, peeled roasted zucchini, cooked spinach, white rice, chicken, lots of fish, one egg every morning for protein and B12. Bananas, or ripe avocado on white toast. Your body will need protein so that the tissues and wounds inside can heal. Peanut butter on white toast will thicken output. Sweet potatoes are easy when you're hungry, just poke holes all over the potato and microwave for 5 to 10 minutes.
Try to limit or avoid insoluable fiber foods because they don't break down and can cause constipation or pain on exit, or a rush of diarrhea as it works through. If you strain and push, this can cause fissures and leakage. Soluable foods will be better for you in the first few months. Chew everything very, very thoroughly so that your new j pouch receives food that is already pulverized. Drink lots of water, soups. Know that food will move through you quickly and that is normal for j pouchers. Some members are four times, some are eight times in a 24 hr period.
If there Is leakage, or you develop fissures or have pain, get a sitz basin, or a bath, filled with the warmest water you can tolerate. Hot water will encourage blood circulation to the bum area and heal your fissures. When away from the house I carried wet wipes in a zip lock baggie or a baby wipes' snap container. For butt burn I used gentle Zincofax. Eight months after takedown I no longer needed creams or Cipro, and I could eat almost anything I wanted, but I still avoid nuts, seeds, all raw vegetables.
If you have nighttime leakage, check with your surgeon if it is pouchitis. You could ask your doctor for a prescription of Cipro so you always have enough on hand, take as soon as you suspect pouchitis. It works fast, on the second or third dose but you need to complete the 10 - 14 day course. Don't shorten the course; it can come back stronger.
If you are worried about accidents at night, eat dinner early and avoid big meals. If still hungry later, have toas, or an egg. Prepare supplies in advance: buy some washable bed liners (Walmart? Amazon? Home delivery?) and also old towels to sleep on to protect your sheets and mattress. I used old white towels, easy to put in the wash with bleach. If concerned about leakage during the day, use underwear liners or disposable underwear. Who's going to know? No one. It's okay. You're healing, and doing your best. Being prepared will let your mind rest. Sleep, food, and peace of mind will be important to your healing. Stock your fridge, freezer, and cupboards with suitable food and drink. Make big portions and freeze into meal sizes. Try not to worry because that will activate your stress hormones. Take one day at a time. Best of luck for February 8.
