Calling other DS nurses-how are you coping?

I am scheduled for a revision from a sleeve (with re-sleeve and hernia repair) to DS the beginning of Sept. I am wondering how other nurses out there have handled the bowel issues.  I work 12 hour night-shift in a very busy neonatal ICU. I am planning to take 6 to 8 weeks off to try to get on a "regular" schedule. I have had 4 previous  surgeries in the past 6 years and heal very quickly. I am just slightly worried over not having control of how my new bowels might act!

Any info, suggestions, etc is greatly appreciated!

Thanks!

I also took 8 weeks off to heal because my job is active.  I had things pretty well figured out by that time.

Hi there. Im not a nurse but thought I could help. I had my surgery a month ago (7/8) amd have only a handful of times had to "go right NOW" and thats only because I got c-diff. The rest of the time, I have no problem feeling the urge and being able to wait a little bit to get to the potty. Dont let this deter you, especially after 6-8 weeks I think you will be golden if you eat right. 

Take care and best of luck!

I also am a nurse and work 12 hour night shifts too. I work in a respiratory facility.. When you have to go you have to go.. Just tell your co-worker you will be right back.. In a hospital I wouldn't worry too much, you can go to various bathrooms and not worry about stinking them up.. lol..  I always carry a good air freshner on me. I ususally have poo pouri with me also.  Don't worry about what others think.

Good Luck

Kathy

Oh by the way. I had my DS in Feb 2011 and I have never had an accident. You will be fine..  In the beginning your bowels will be very very loose, not that they will ever be solid (atleast for me) but down the line it also depends on what you chose to eat.  Carbs, artificial sweeteners and a few other foods give me horrendous gas and the runs

kathy

This is a good spray by McKesson -  Pro-Tech Citrus Disinfectant Spray.   I'm not a nurse but you should be fine. There are so many bathrooms in the hospital.  I was good my eariler months.

I am a nurse however for the most part if I need to I can work from home.  That said my doc who did not perform my surgery but follows my labs wrote for me to be off 2 additional weeks because at 6 weeks my bowel still was not regulated but by 8 weeks I was fine.  At first I was crampy every time I had a bowel movement it gets so much a better.............

I'm a hospital worker as well and I lift adult patients. Because of this my surgeon said I needed a minimum of 8 weeks off. I wonder if you wouldn't require that much time off since the NICU patients aren't heavy? A regular bathroom schedule requires a regular eating schedule. If you are able to accomplish that within the first 2 months then good for you! Otherwise, don't be shocked if you are not regular once you go back to work. It's ok. Even if you go to the restroom more often than the other nurses, you won't be in there for a long time because you probably won't be eating that much anyway. Just go to bath & body works to buy one of those little room sprays to keep in your scrub top pocket. Hey while you're at it, buy the larger bottle to keep in the restroom at home :)

Good Luck with your revision,

Mika

I also took off 8 weeks to get "regulated" so to speak.  I strictly avoided all white flour and later discovered I do not tolerate rye, soy, millet, rice etc.  As long as avoid those things everything is good.

fyi...the Houston Area DSers "HADS" will be meeting Sept 6. If you would like to join us PM me for info. We'd love to have ya.