questions about takedown -jpouch?

I bet you're so excited! I'll try to give you some idea about what life is like after take down. The waste in the bag vs what comes out of the Jpouch is different.Don't worry about your Jpouch filling up as quickly as the bag does. I think it's because just as a colon (a healthy one, that is) takes liquid out of waste, the Jpouch also pulls liquid so your waste is more solid than liquid. As time goes on, more and more liquid is absorbed so initially you may go to the bathroom more often than you will in a few months and a few years. It really is a process getting there but you will. Learning the sensation of having to poop vs gas takes time after takedown but you'll feel full down there and a need to make room. In the 1st few weeks following takedown, I think all of us Jpouchers ran to the bathroom many times thinking we had to empty pouch but it was just gas. Hard to explain but you'll know when you need to empty-no surprises and you'll have time to get to a toilet. Step 2 is so much easier than Step 1. As for what the waste is like-My doc told me my stool would be like toothpaste in shape and consistency & he was 100% right. Not hard but not watery like the waste in the bag. I wish you the best of luck!

I was shocked at the lack of pain after take down. I have not had any problems figuring out what is gas and what isn't but I have had trouble figuring out what foods make me need the bathroom more often than others.I am gradually figuring it out with a food journal. The urge to go is just the same as before. Definitely do Kegel and rectal exercises before your surgery. After a year our muscles are out of shape. Good muscle control helps control any leakage. Good luck!

I was very worried about takedown but it turned out to be very easy compared to my first surgery. Dont worry about the fact that your bag fills up fast now. There is no comparison to that after takedown. My ileo ran like a faucet 24/7 but after takedown transit time was much slower. Since you have had your ileo for a long time, make sure you are doing your Kegal exercises daily to condition those muscles. The urge to go is similar to when you had a colon but more like a pressure feeling when you need to go. Its only natural to be scared. I hope it all goes very smoothly for you!

Everyone's takedown is different. Be prepared that it will begin to work at night, so use pads and have a bed pad underneath you. It takes time for the pouch to figure out its new job. Be patient. Eat small meals at first and low fiber foods too. Then add slowly. Your bottom will be sore for sometime, but that gets better too. Practice kegals to regain your muscles down there. Best of luck

Yes, everyone is different. Make sure you have all your supplies on hand and ask the surgeon when you can start taking metamucil, beano, probiotcs and immodium. Not everyone needs those, but I use all of them now (only use beano when I know I'm eating something that will really make me gassy). Also have wipes and barrier cream on hand. Take down was so much easier than the first surgery. I had lots of pressure/pain at first (gas?), but that doesn't happen much anymore. Mostly during my period and that's because I have irritable pouch syndrome. It takes a while to figure it out. I am about 15 months out from take down and I finally feel like I have figured my pouch out (most of the time). So happy that I got it done and didn't wait any longer than I did. Good luck!!

Takedown was a breeze compared to the first surgery in my opinion. My bowels woke up the day after surgery and I was released on the 4th day after surgery. I then made the 6 hr drive home by myself and only had to stop once to use the restroom. As far as comparing it to the ostomy output it isn't even close. I was emptying my ostomy every half hour to an hour an now I average about 4 bathroom trips a day and none at night. My takedown was 3.5 weeks ago. I am back to work full time as a directional driller and eating whatever whenever I want. My ostomy wound is healed and just the scar remains now. I didn't need pain killers when released from the hospital unlike step 1. It's different for everyone but I'm sure you will do great! I have no regrets whatsoever.

One thing I will add is I started doing kegels about 4 weeks before takedown. I think it really helps. I still do them everyday.

I was super worried before takedown as well. Don't judge your success on the first week, or even month. It definitely takes time to adjust.

If you're having takedown that means you have a loop ileostomy which has a much higher output rate than an end ileostomy. When I had my loop, I was emptying like 8 times a day and it would fill up immediately after meals (and note that 8 times a day is a lot because the bag is bigger than the pouch).

But it doesn't translate (it might seem like it the first week). The first week for me was really bad, I had upwards of 20 BM's a day, but starting Imodium the second week really helped.

I'm 4 months out, and I really think that things have improved month to month. It's very hard to judge improvement even week to week, because it's so incremental.

This is a huge change for your body. Just be prepared for what will come at the beginning and you should be fine. This is your last surgery and I hope the end of your journey!

you guys made my day!! This really gets me excited about it even more. If its half as bad as my last surgery i can do it!! I can't wait to finally be rid of the bag. Finally be able to move on. I will to have to drive 3 hours after my surgery by myself and it worries me but I'm up for the challenge. I thank you guys for helping me.

I just had my takedown a week ago after 2 1/2 months with an ileostomy. The surgery is definitely easier than the first, but I would not call it easy. I struggled initially with gas/bloating that was very painful. I really couldn't eat much for several days because of that feeling of fullness and some nausea. However, that has passed, and I am eating better now. I have had no problems controlling my output, except for some leaks at night, but I expect that to improve over time. My biggest complaint is general gut pain that is very reminiscent of UC. I guess it is just my bowel re-adjusting to the digestion process. I am trying to be patient and trust that this will soon pass. Best wishes to you!

Thank you beth! i would love to follow your progress

My daughter is getting her takedown next wednesday - she did mention she heard that the first month or so it's a similar feeling like UC. She's not looking forward to that - as yukky as the ostomy bag is she had some sense of freedom from UC. I am personally interested in a list of products I should definitely have on hand, including bed pads, etc. Anyone have a list like that to pass along - it would be much appreciated - I live by lists - lol Thanks and Beth I look forward to hearing about your progress

It is definitely a learning curve but a good one. Everyone has offered sage advice so I don't have much to add. For myself, it does get better as time goes on. And I notice that I do much better with organic foods and supplements overall, both physically and mentally. I encourage greens supplements to minimize roughage and strain on the system.

Hemingway- I'm exactly that way!! When I eat my organic food I feel a thousnd times better!!