ileostomy take down

Here is a link to the jpouch group. Lots and lots of information there. Check out the forum too.

www.j-pouch.org/Whatis.html

What you are experiencing is normal. You train your pouch by holding your bowel movement as long as possible as often as possible. Eventually over time (3 months - 1 year) your pouch will stretch and get used to holding stool and you will go less often.

If you find you are going all the time - call your Doctor. They can give you a prescription for Lomitol or may suggest Immodium to help with the frequency.

Semi-incontinence is also very normal at this stage.

I just had my take down 12 days ago, so I am having the same kinds of problems. I am on Lomotil now and things are better. I am still up 5-7 times per night and going 16-20 times per day, but it is mostly formed and more comfortable to pass.

Patience and time.

I had my takedown from an ileostomy (caused by a ascending colon perforation) 4 weeks ago. I was in the hospital 6 days and they wouldn't let me go home until I passed something. The incision leaked clear yellowish fluid from one opening site for almost 4 weeks, then just stopped. The old stoma hole sealed really fast. For the first 2 weeks I was going to the bathroom 4-6 times/day. Now at 4 weeks just in the morning (well formed stool) and then it seems right after dinner (pretty loose). It is hard to go out to dinner because for some reason it makes me run to the bathroom right afterward. For 4 weeks I had pinching, stinging sensation near the incision, but that is gone now.

Anyone considering this reversal - I say go for it. It isn't that bad and the paybacks are enormous. Just pick a surgeon with a lot of experience and confidence. It helped me quell much of fear. Maybe I had less issues because the rest of my colon was pretty healthy. Good Luck and stay positive.