Hello all,
I had Ulcerative Colitis for years, and had a total colectomy to correct the disease. I have had the J-pouch restoration for 1 year now. I am of course relieved to be free of the bag, and more importantly, free of the disease. My question is about long term effects. I can't seem to find too much information regarding long term effects of the J-pouch. I can eat just about anything I please, but will there be nutritional side-effects in the long run? I am concerned that I may not be getting the full value of foods that I eat. Does anyone have any info on this?
Thanks,.
- Adam

I have had my j pouch 20 years.
I am very healthy.
I get scoped yearly. Biopsy ecery 3 years.
I get a blood test every year and a very thorough one and I am great. No vitamins or probiotics or any meds and I have never seen a GI again, only my surgeon.

Less than 10% of the nutrients are absorbed in the colon. You are getting plenty of nutrition from your small intestine, since that is its primary purpose. Hydration is the major issue and if you can stay on top of that, you are golden!

Jan

Adam, thanks for your question. I have had my jpouch since 2001. I am experiencing some issues with nutrition and keeping potasium and calcium balanced. In my case food seems to fly through me. I'm researching this to see what might be effective in slowing this down. Does anyone know if pro-biotics would influence the speed of digestion? I'm taking a product called VSL#3. This has been very effecitive in assisting with prevention of pouchitis. I was infecting about every 3 months. Started VSL#3 and moved this out to about once a year. In my research it would seem that this may also be increasing the speed of motility of food though the system. Any comments?

We all individually respond to drugs and supplements we take, so we also have individual reactions to them. You can add Imodium or Lomotil to slow your gut if you feel that a fast transit time is causing your absorption issues.

Jan

I am concerned about the lifespan of the jpouch. How long will it last. I haven't had any problems except pouchitis so will it last forever, or will there be a time when it will poop out (pun intended.) What is the oldest known pouch? I have had mine for 14 years and I am 30 so I need it to last like 40 or 50 more years. any ideas?

When I found out what the doctor was going to do I saked him if I would be able to live 40years after surgery with the J-pouch is answer was all you want is 40 and I told him that was double were I was now.

There are people on this site who have had theirs for 20-25 years. Beyond this, you won't find too many j-pouchers. The surgery was not practiced frequently before that time. Longevity of the pouch is not assured, but there is nothing that says it won't last.

I have had a K-pouch for 32 years.

I wonder too.Mine is 20 so I think that the studies are looking at people like myself for a guideline. I get surveys to fill out sometimes.

It is just part of your body and should last as long as you do. Of course, if you develop complications, then the equation is changed.

Jan