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Hi everyone I have UC and have been through all the meds and even hospitalized last month because the dose of Mercaptuprine I was on caused bone marrow suppression and made me very ill.  So surgery is up next I have a consult with a surgeon on Feb 8th but was wondering if you guys with experience could answer some questions. From what my doc tod me I would be having the 2 step surgery with a pouch.
first is there anything I should know before my appt?
 Any certain questions I should ask surgeon?
After my 2 surgeries will I be able to eat veggies and some of the other things I haven't had the last few years?
how long should I expect to be off work after the first then second surgery, hoping its
laproscopic and everything goes as planned?
 Any advice or experience feedback would Be great. I'm very nervous but also excited to move on.
thanks

 Reply posted for mckinndn.

I found a fantastic ostomy nurse that helped me soo much!  Be sure to find an ostomy nurse before your surgery so you are comfortable knowing where to go for help dealing with your stoma.  I had a terrible time fitting my stoma but my nurse got me though it by trying different products and tricks until we found the right one.

I just had my take down 2 weeks ago and while I feel pretty good, I am very sore from the frequent trips to the potty.  It is slowly improving and I'm hoping to get back to work in another week.

Good luck and don't be afraid to share your story.  Even though this stuff is disgusting, there are people around you who care enough about you to listen and show compassion.

 Reply posted for mckinndn.

I would make sure it is done laproscopically.

You can expect the first surgery and recovery to kick your butt. I think at minimum, from the date of the surgery to going back to work, expect at least a month being out of work. Your energy level will take a long time to get back to normal. Take as long of a walk you can tolerate as often as you can.

Emotionally, my recovery was very tough. Getting used to the stoma, the bag and the stuff that went in it was very hard.

One of the best tips I can give you is to focus long term. The day to day stuff will drive you crazy if you let it. Another good tip is to get a mattress cover for if/when your bag leaks at night. Another good tip is to be aware that you will have bad days-emotionally, physically, and that you will get through them.

For the takedown, I think you would be out of work for two weeks, at a minimum. It is a much easier surgery to recover from. Helpful tip-bring a soft roll of toilet paper to the hospital for you. Hospital toilet paper will feel like sandpaper.

 Reply posted for mckinndn.

​I had a small part of my intestine removed last May, and a temporary ileostomy from that surgery in May was closed in September.  
I had less pain immediately after surgery than I did before surgery.  I was off work for 2 weeks after each surgery, but I think people usually take 4.  I got bored at home, and I am pretty active at work, and felt just fine.  I think lifting restrictions were supposed to be for 6 or 8 weeks.  I lifted up to 38 pounds after 4 weeks.  
The ileostomy was a lot easier to deal with emotionally than I thought it would be.  I'm a nurse, so I didn't have to face the whole aspect of learning to take care of it.  www.ostomy.org was a good source for information, and they have an online support community much like the one here.
I've noticed after surgery that I have more problems with dairy products than I did before... but I used to have absolutely no problem with them... they were actually a go to kind of food for me before, but now they cause major diarrhea. HOWEVER after the first surgery I followed a low fiber diet until the second surgery, and after the second surgery it was a few weeks until I started adding foods with a little more fiber in them, and I now can tolerate pretty much whatever I want to eat.
I didn't have much time to plan for my surgery bc my CD had gotten pretty bad, and the doctor's and hospital near me that I used were not helping me, so by the time I had decided I needed to go elsewhere the plan was to keep me in the hospital for 10 days and then have surgery, so beforehand I was pretty freaked out, but the whole process was not as bad as I thought it would be.
I'm hoping I remembered to answer all the questions you'd asked that I have an answer for.  
Best of luck!!!!! I hope it all goes well for you and that you have a speedy recovery! =)