My second takedown surgery is a week and a half away (had to go back to an ileostomy for a few months due to leaks in the j-pouch) - and have some concerns about symptoms/sensations I've been experiencing:
1) Phantom rectum *several* times a day - passing a lot of mucus, and need to do so urgently at times. This is much more frequent and severe with the loop ileostomy than it was with my previous end ileostomy. Worried that if I feel so much pressure and urgency when there is just mucus in the j-pouch, how bad will it be when the j-pouch is actually functioning as intended?
2) When I've been sitting for a long time, I feel the sensation of a weight dropping in my lower abdomen when I stand up. This concerns me because it is similar to what I was feeling (although to a *much* lesser degree) when I had the j-pouch leaks. Also, when I have tried to jog, it feels like everything is bouncing around in my abdomen (I picture marbles being shaken in a jar).
Has anyone dealt with similar symptoms/sensations and can put my anxiety to rest? I think I may be expecting too much, and that there is perhaps a "new normal" that I'll need to assimilate to.
Thanks in advance for any feedback and/or words of encouragement!
Reply posted for AmandaNL82.
1) I had the same concerns with the phantom rectum and thankfully it was not worse after takedown. Maybe because now something was actually coming through but the urgency issue did not stop for me until at least 4 weeks post takedown. The first month urgency was a big issue for me but now only 3 month post takedown I do not have any problems.
2) I'm not sure I know the feeling your describing when sitting and then standing but I did also feel like something was bouncing around on the inside when I wore my bag. Once I had surgery the feeling went away. I was obviously sore in that area but I no longer felt like my insides were moving all around. I am currently 3 months post takedown and I exercise with no restrictions including running and stomach exercises and I do not have the feeling anymore.
Hi, I'm preparing to have an ileocecal resecti....
read more
Hello,
I have had all 3 surgeries to complete m....
read more
Are there wound care experts or professionals that....
read more