CancerCompass message board discussion started by stjohn on 3/3/2008 http://www.cancercompass.com/message-board/message/all,21587,0.htm Fri, 05 Dec 2008 00:00:00 GMT Fri, 05 Dec 2008 00:00:00 GMT http://backend.userland.com/rss RSS.NET: http://www.rssdotnet.com/ In May I will have my temporary ileostomy "taken down" and begin adapting to my colonic j pouch.  I've read a few posts related to difficulties with frequency, gas, continence etc. with the j pouch.  I'd appreciate any tips that you might share in how you managed these problems.  I was hoping to take a trip via plane in the fall -- but after reading some of the literature and posts am wondering if this is a reasonable idea.Thanks, stjohn stjohn Mon, 03 Mar 2008 00:00:00 GMT Hi stjohn,I had my takedown in March 2004. I had 2 out of state and one out of country weddings to attend that summer (June, July and September) -- all by plane. I wasn't sure I'd be recovered enough to swing it. Though I may not have been 100%, I was able to do all three with no problem. If you haven't begun already, I'd recommend taking probiotics daily (something like pb8 or culturelle). Adding a good, organic yogurt to your diet is a good idea, too. I also found that Metamucil wafers were helpful for fiber (and decreasing or slowing output). For a little more help in slowing things down, you can try taking anti-diarrheal (ie. lopermide) tabs, though they tended to give me more gas and stomach aches. I actually found that taking a half pill of vicodin really worked great for slowing things down -- I still do this when I know that I'll be out a while and not near a convenient toilet. Aside from that, I'd suggest getting flushable wipes (Kleenex Cottonelle or Scott are good) and for the weeks following the takedown, I'd definitely suggest getting Calmoseptine for butt-burn -- I even brought it to the hospital for the days after the takedown, and I'm glad I did. Also, do you know about the j-pouch.org site and its forums? If not, go check it out. There are some great, supportive folks in there. And they'll be happy to answer all your questions and concerns. There's even a nurse (Jan Dollar) on there who has had the surgery and is very active on the forum.Anyway, for me, after the first couple of weeks after the surgery I couldn't imagine the butt-burn and pouch functioning right. The good news is that it things just clicked, and though I've had some ups and downs, things haven't been better than they are now 4 years later.Feel free to ask me any questions.Best,Jon   scacco Tue, 04 Mar 2008 00:00:00 GMT Jon,I can't thank you enough for taking the time to share your experience and tips with me.  I've taken notes -- and will try all of your suggestions.  You also gave me real hope that I can return to my active lifestyle.  Thanks again - your note really brightened my day.Best wishes, stjohn   stjohn Thu, 06 Mar 2008 00:00:00 GMT