This topic is about the challenges someone is facing after having an ileostomy reversal surgery. They are dealing with severe diarrhea, skin pain, and emotional distress during the first ten days post-surgery. Here are some insights and advice that might help:

1. **Involve Your Support Network**
- Share your feelings with family and your therapist. Remember, you are not a burden, and you don’t have to go through this alone.
- Try distraction techniques like listening to music, audiobooks, knitting, watching comedy shows, or engaging in short trips or purposeful activities to lift your spirits.

2. **Consider Short-Term Medication & Output Control**
- Discuss with your surgeon the possibility of using short-term prescription pain medications like Oxycodone, which can ease pain and slow bowel movements.
- Ask about anti-diarrheal agents like Imodium and bulking products such as Metamucil or Questran to help thicken stools.
- Reducing sugar intake might help, as the small intestine needs to adapt to absorb fluids without a colon.

3. **Dietary Adjustments Beyond BART**
- Introduce thickening foods like creamy peanut butter, potatoes, and ice cream gradually.
- Ensure you stay hydrated and maintain a balance of salt and fluid intake.

4. **Skin & Bedding Protection**
- Use barrier gels or pastes to protect your skin and pat dry instead of wiping.
- Consider sleeping on disposable or washable Chux pads for easier nighttime cleanup.

5. **Pelvic Floor & Anal-Sphincter Strength**
- If your rectum or anus was unused for a while, the muscles might have weakened. Perform daily pelvic-floor and sphincter exercises if your medical team approves.

6. **Healing Timeline Expectations**
- Many people find the first few weeks the hardest, with improvement often starting after 2–4 weeks. Recovery can take longer if the colon was removed.
- Recovery varies based on age, the extent of colon removal, and individual healing rates.

7. **Physical Activity**
- Gentle walking, like a mile a day, can promote bowel adaptation and overall recovery, as long as you follow any lifting restrictions.

8. **Practical Supplies List**
- Have disposable or washable Chux bed pads, barrier gels or pastes, anti-diarrheal medications like Imodium, fiber/absorbent agents like Metamucil, and pain-relief options like Tylenol or short-term Oxycodone (if approved by your doctor).

9. **Emotional Coping Mantras & Tips**
- Focus on positive thoughts, as stress can worsen bowel urgency.
- Use short, uplifting phrases or mantras to help counter depression.
- Understand that post-surgical depression is common and usually temporary. Seek professional help if your thoughts become more intense.

These suggestions aim to provide comfort and practical solutions during this challenging recovery period.