Hi Jennifer,
I had an Ileostomy done July 28, 2023. It was a learning experience how to deal with a bag, changing it, raw skin in the beginning and being on top of ordering supplies. However, I was thrilled to have my bowels working after many years of constipation, pain, bloating and discomfort. Not to mention 7 medications daily just to go.
I had a reversal on Dec 21, 2023 and I was immediately able to go to the bathroom daily. My surgeon left me 3” of my lg colon to form a sygmoid colon and connected the small intestine to it. A previous surgery in 2019 removed 13” of my lg intestine that was twisted and tortuous. By doing the Ileostomy we found the pain disappeared after disconnecting the lg intestine and I would go many times a day. At my post op my surgeon told me to take 1 tbsp of fiber daily just to keep things moving. Since doing that, I go many times a day sometimes 4-5. Times which is fine for me. I did have pain around the anus the first two weeks, I used diaper rash cream, (used for babies) and that soothed the pain. I now have the feeling that I have to go and I’ve got time to get to the bathroom. Be aware of that feeling and go when it happens. Never push down trying to go or use your fingers to push. I learned from PT, to lean forward on my squatty potty and when you breathe in push out your rectum. Then sit back and let it work. Give it time to relax. I do a word search puzzle to sit there and wait for more. I swim, walk, drive a school bus knowing where I can use a bathroom and plan your meals to have time to go.
I take the fiber at night and by the morning I have a good bowel movement before I leave for work.
Be patient if you have an incision that heals from the inside out,(you won’t see the stitches), it takes time. Once healed I started swimming. Best wishes for your new life!