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 I am starting to get scared my take down surgery is on October 26th and that is when I no longer have the bag which makes me so happy!! However I have no idea what to expect my colon is gone along with most of my rectum only a small portion of my colon is left and my surgeon explained to me that will help from leakage which makes since. I have been reading other peoples experiences for the take down and they all talk about leakage. I really would like to know what to expect after surgery can i eat normal after words or is the diet kind of the same as the first surgery??? Any advise would be appreciated.
Thanks,
trackstar7 

 Reply posted for Ang300.

Thanks for checking up on me!! Life is great it's like a miracle. I am having problems with gas and cramping please tell me that goes away?? I have had no leakage issues what so ever at least not yet it's been a week. I did get sick in the hospital and they made me stay an extra day. I was so happy to go home. I am going to the bathroom like 8 times a day I think my surgeon did a wonderful job!! I feel so free! No more bag. Life is different and I like it! The only question I have is how long til the cramping goes away seems like everytime I eat food it gets all cramped up and I don't know what to do? Any suggestions??

 Reply posted for trackstar7.

Hi!  I've been thinking about you...wondering how your takedown went and how you are feeling.  I know it's soon after your takedown, but I'm hoping you are okay.

Angie

 Reply posted for Ang300.

thank you so much for sharing your story with me!! I just found out today that i will be having my surgery on this coming Monday!!! I was so happy to find that out I am ready to live life not just live!! You have given me lots of hope for a better future. I can't wait to get rid of the bag and be normal again!!! thanks again!!

 Reply posted for trackstar7.

I had my takedown in July 2009.  (I had all my colon removed in May 2009.)

Immediately after surgery, you will likely be put on a soft diet, and over the course of weeks you will be allowed to add different foods to your diet.

Diet for people without colons is personal and everyone has to figure out for him/herself what works and what doesn't.  This takes time and some cognizance.

For example, I find some acidic foods irritating to my anal skin.  I find this to be especially true with tomatoes and tomato-based products.  Potato products and bananas help slow digestion and firm up stool...which is a good thing.

I take loperamide daily (immodium) to firm up stool.  I started out taking six to eight pills per day and now I take two.

I have NO anal leakage.  (FYI I am a 36-year-old female and have had no kids.)   According to my surgeon, women who have had vaginal births are the demographic with the most anal leakage.

I don't know how many times per day I use the restroom - not enough for me to notice.  However, I can say that I use it A LOT less now than I did the first month after surgery.  Bathroom frequency will decline with time.

I hope this helps.  Remeber, it will take time to get used to the new plumbing, but it's going to be great!  I am excstatic to have my active lifestyle renewed!  :)

Best wishes!

Angie

 Reply posted for welslm.

thanks for you feedback it means a lot to me i am so scared for the second surgery i guess i thought life was going to go back to normal didn't realize i would have to be worring about going to the bathroom in my bed at night. i want so badly to see someone who has had the surgery for a few years or so and i am so glad you told me about your husband that really gives me hope that life is going to be so much better. i am so sorry that your daughter is so young it has to be so *** her i am 25 and it is not by any means the easiest thing to go through!! again thank you for taking the time out of your day to answer my questions!!

 Reply posted for trackstar7.

My daughter age 9 just had her second ileostomy takedown.  The first time she was only in the hospital 4 days and it took one year to regain continence.  She wore pull-ups and had to get up a couple times in the night. 

She had her second stoma because her j-pouch was twisted and sewn in during the 1st surgery, so I wouldn't expect you to have a second stoma.  Anyway, Sept. 9 she had her ileostomy takedown.  I was surprised that she still had pain and she didn't want to eat.  Continence has been a little better, although she does wear a pull-up.  During the day she is able to go to the bathroom every couple hours, which prevents problems at school.  Nighttime is harder because she often gets up several times. 

The main things to remember after an ileostomy takedown is that you can't just eat anything.  Things like lettuce, peels of fruits & veggies, pulp in pineapple & oranges, may cause an obstruction because they do not digest fully.  As time goes by, you can eat some of these things in moderation.  Your body will cramp a little if you've had too much.  Also, watch your activity level.  After my daughter did gym class for two days, which included lots of abdomenal exercises, she's had pain for two days.  Take it easy and listen to your body to know how much exercise is ok for you.  Don't lift more than 10 pounds for about 6 weeks.

The good news is that my husband had the same surgery 15 yrs ago.  He didn't have any complications after takedown.  If he eats popcorn or the wrong foods too much, he gets cramps.  He just watches his diet & things go back to normal.  He does advise to make sure you use the bathroom about 20 min. after a meal or your intestines may rumble and then start cramping if you don't take care of the problem.  

 Reply posted for trackstar7.

She had most of it removed. And she too was so happy to get rid of the bag, but I think she thought it was just going to be like before! I guess because she is so young, only just 11 years old, that she has really struggled since the reconnect. She is up so much a night, and then so tired in the day.The docs keep telling us that what she is experiencing is the normal process of healing and recovery. It has just been so challenging. Another helpful suggestion, she is using little panty liners situated more in the back of her pants, to help with accidents, etc.  

 Reply posted for Magpie.

thanks for the advise. I do have one question for you did your daughter get her entire rectum removed or does she still have part of it?? I am scared of what is to come but I really could not take the pain anymore. I am really starting to get sick of having to wear a bag I will only wear pj's cause getting into jeans is hard with the bag. The first surgery was way better then I thought it would be. Now I don't know what to expect for number two but am looking forward to it!!

thanks again
trackstar7

 Reply posted for Magpie.

thanks for the advise. I do have one question for you did your daughter get her entire rectum removed or does she still have part of it?? I am scared of what is to come but I really could not take the pain anymore. I am really starting to get sick of having to wear a bag I will only wear pj's cause getting into jeans is hard with the bag. The first surgery was way better then I thought it would be. Now I don't know what to expect for number two but am looking forward to it!!

thanks again
trackstar7

 Reply posted for trackstar7.

After my daughter's take down surgery, she really struggled with frequency and sensation. What really helped her was avioding sugary drinks, like Gatorade. I have to be honest, although we were told it was going to take some getting used to, we were really not prepared for how difficult it has been. Everyone told us it was going to take possibly a year to get down to 3-5 bowel movements a day. Hearing it is a lot different than living it. Also, the irritation on her bottom has been a challenge. Ask your doc ahead of time for some suggestions on creams, etc. Also, that new toilet paper by Cottonelle with aloe, etc. has been great for her.

I know it was the right thing to do, in the big picture, but it has not been an easy transition. I don't want to sound so negative, but more realistic about what to expect after.