This topic is about the challenges and feelings of depression that can arise after undergoing J-pouch surgery and a hysterectomy. The person who shared their experience had surgery on February 25 and is currently in a nursing home. During the surgery, the doctors also removed her uterus due to fibroids blocking access. She faced several post-operative complications, including:

- A bowel blockage that caused vomiting and required an NG tube for two days.
- Infections that led to an abdominal abscess.
- The use of a wound vacuum to help close the main incision.

She describes this period as the most difficult time in her life and is experiencing feelings of depression. Here are some pieces of advice and insights shared by others:

1. Stay mentally positive: Many people believe that maintaining a positive attitude can significantly impact physical healing.

2. Shared experiences: Others have gone through similar challenges, such as post-surgical blockages, slow-healing incisions, unexpected hysterectomies, and even C. difficile infections. They emphasize that recovery does eventually happen.

3. Coping strategies while hospitalized: Engage in activities like reading books, doing crosswords or seek-and-find puzzles, listening to music, spending time outdoors if possible, or visiting with friends and family to help lift your mood.

4. Spiritual or reflective approach: Some find strength in personal faith or by contemplating the meaning of Easter as a source of comfort.

5. Humor therapy: Try to remember and laugh at any small, funny moments to help counter feelings of depression.

6. Acknowledgment of post-surgical depression: It's common to feel down after surgeries that alter hormones, but the reassurance is that this low mood usually passes with time.