I have surgery coming up on Sept 15th. Removal of my rectum and my ileostomy. Then forming a j pouch. I fully trust my surgeon and City of Hope for the procedure. I'm just concerned about recovery. Time, amount of pain, diet etc. Just looking for advice to calm my nerves as I know it is going to be a process
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Have faith that everything will be okay 
You got this! Good luck!
Keep your faith high, I have faith in you
What helped me when things got hard was remembering that it was temporary and it will get better. Now, 4 1/2 years since takedown. I hardly think of my pouch. I've never had major issues such as pouchitis, strictures, or a fistula.
I had a 2 step procedure and the first surgery was definitely the hardest. The pain was bad for about a week and a half. It took me about a month to feel like myself again. You will have leakage, so it will be helpful to have pads for after you leave the hospital. Be sure to drink plenty of Gatorade and water to prevent dehydration. This is especially important after you cut down/stop the pain meds since the meds slow down your system.
Good luck and remember, the pain and recovery are all just temporary.
