Life gets better post surgery: The Whole Shebang

NEW YAWKER

This story brought tears to my eyes, and I'm pretty emotionless!

I have never related to a piece of text more in my life, i'm 3 months post takedown and I have never been so depressed before, not even when I was sick. But reading your story and just about every other one with a happy twist at the end gives me so much hope. I've been doing pretty well so far, i'm able to walk around quite often, i've been trying new foods without too many issues and I'm by some grace of god only going to the bathroom around 4-8 times a day depending on what/when/how much I eat. 

I see myself adjusting quicker than the average jpoucher (or maybe it's just all in my head) so I know that the endgame is near. My biggest issue is how fragile I am. Sort of like a dandelion. I've always been athletic and active so now being a bum that lays in bed all day because i can't handle too much physical activity is stressful. Also my ostomy site has healed, but it's still quite pink and fresh. 

I have yet to try eating raw veg but that's okay, not my biggest concern.

Do you remember how long it took before you felt ready to take on sports/physical activity again?

Hey Johnathan,  I was actually active again very soon after takedown.  But then I also worked out with my first ileostomy and my second (after the first failed takedown).   I started each time I came home from the hospital, walking 1/2 mile the first day and then adding 1/4 to 1/2 mile a day until I got up to 5 miles.  Then I would jog for a couple of minutes alternating with walking.  Plus I started back to lifting with 15 pound dumbells after every surgery.  So now, four months after takedown I can (slowly) run 7 miles, and  I deadlifted 225 pounds last Sunday afternoon (I weigh about 135).  So I think you need to begin slowly without expecting too much of yourself, then adding a bit every workout.  I was also a bit depressed and for me  that went away as soon as I was jogging again.  But not all depression lifts so easily - you may want to seek medical support.  There is no reason to allow depression to keep you from a full recovery.  It can be treated in many different ways.  I wish I only went 4-8 times a day!!!  On some of my first runs I went 4 times in three miles.  I've learned the best time to run is first thing in the morning before I eat or drink anything.  

Thanks to all for your replies. I will keep in touch and again if anyone has questions please feel feee to contact me.

Nick1036

Jonathan posted:

NEW YAWKER

This story brought tears to my eyes, and I'm pretty emotionless!

I have never related to a piece of text more in my life, i'm 3 months post takedown and I have never been so depressed before, not even when I was sick. But reading your story and just about every other one with a happy twist at the end gives me so much hope. I've been doing pretty well so far, i'm able to walk around quite often, i've been trying new foods without too many issues and I'm by some grace of god only going to the bathroom around 4-8 times a day depending on what/when/how much I eat. 

I see myself adjusting quicker than the average jpoucher (or maybe it's just all in my head) so I know that the endgame is near. My biggest issue is how fragile I am. Sort of like a dandelion. I've always been athletic and active so now being a bum that lays in bed all day because i can't handle too much physical activity is stressful. Also my ostomy site has healed, but it's still quite pink and fresh. 

I have yet to try eating raw veg but that's okay, not my biggest concern.

Do you remember how long it took before you felt ready to take on sports/physical activity again?

 

Jonathan,

I'm happy my story has been impactful to you.  

I believe I started attempting to exercise about 4-5months post-takedown.  Very minimal at first.  Walking 3-days a week, followed by walk/run 3-days a week, until I could fully run for 30-mins 3x/week.  I did that for quite a while.  

Again, I went through "growing" pains of new anatomy for a while.  As the pouch begins to expand and tolerate the jostling of running, you may find that exercise may exacerbate any discomfort you may have.  You have to listen to your body.  

You should also try to continue any other hobbies/activities that interest you to keep your mind active.  Socialize as much as you can tolerate.  All these things will help you with depression, as will exercise.  But, if you find yourself still in the dumps, there is no shame in utilizing an anti-depressant to get yourself over the hump.  

Cheers,

Brett 

Wow! Your story could be my story. Except I’m a 54-year-old female ultra runner. I’m hoping post surgery that I will be able to get back to doing long-distance running again.

This is a great story of perseverance and the strength that we all have lying in wait. I still believe my many years of Ultrarunning will get me through my surgery to come. I have UC, have been on every med you mentioned...and I  have cancer now and they will be removing my entire colon  extremely month...and eventually I’ll have my J pouch. I’m hoping I’ll be complication free and get back to doing what I love. 
thanks for sharing your long journey.

 Best wishes!