cramping after takedown

ECC · Post by **ECC** » 2007-02-15 22:15:48

Hi everyone...just hoping some of you can give some insight. My daughter (20) just had her takedown and is experiencing stomach cramping...her surgeon said this is to be expected. Did any of you experience this, and if so, how long does it typically last. Does anything make them go away? Thanks...appreciate any input.
ECC

bbcopper · Post by **bbcopper** » 2007-02-16 17:12:33

I just had my reversal (ileostomy-jpouch)) a few weeks ago. Unfortunately cramping is just part of the game. From everyone I have talked to, including my surgeon it is important to hold it through the cramps as this is how the pouch will expand (greater capacity - longer holding time). The cramping is due to the gas and waste build up in the pouch (mostly gas). I have been told that as the pouch expands and the body adjusts ( a month or so) the cramping should become less. See if any of the anit-gas meds like gas-x help reduce the cramps, also the thicker the stool the better it should be for her. I eat metamusil wafers either before, during or after i eat to help thicken things up.

The cramps suck, but there is no choice but to just fight through them as long as you can and eventually everything should fall into place.

ECC · Post by **ECC** » 2007-02-18 09:16:08

Hey bbcopper, thanks so much for your reply! We're looking forward to pain-free days. She's 1 week and 2 days out from her takedown and is doing pretty well so far. Averaging 6 trips to the bathroom. I have noticed that the abdominal pain seems to be greater in the evening before dinner. I've been told that frequent snacking will keep the gas pains at bay. Has this been your experience? Do you have a jpouch? If so, how long have you had it?

bbcopper · Post by **bbcopper** » 2007-02-18 10:04:11

yes i have a j-pouch and I am just over 3 weeks out. She is doing better than I am, I am averaging about 10 trips to the toilet a day. when I had my ileostomy if I didnt eat, I would have more gas, so I can only assume its the same with the jpouch. now is the time to experiment with different foods and eating schedules to see what works and what doesnt. As far as pain goes, at first I had some really bad pain at the ostomy site, but the last week or so it has really become minimal.

Honestly it sounds like she is doing really well, especially only going 6 times a day after a week. Within a couple of weeks her surgical pain should be much improved.

Bri

ECC · Post by **ECC** » 2007-02-18 21:38:14

Hi Bri,
Yes, I do think she's doing great so far. Are you taking any probiotics? She is taking VSL 3 and I think it's really helping. She's taking 1/2 a packet with breakfast and 1/2 a packet with a mid-day snack, and I think it's helping to aleviate some of the gas pains. There's so much anxiety (for me anyway) because I've read about all of the complications that can happen. I guess I just have to put that out of my mind and think positive. I just don't want her to ever have to go back to an ileostomy...that was just the worst for her. So, 3 weeks out...what's your diet like? I've got her on mostly soft, low residue but hope that she can start getting past some of her food fears that she's developed because of blockages. I hope you continue to do well! Thanks for writing!
Best of Health!