Im going to try to make this short but I would please like some opinions. I have struggled with on and off pouchitus for about 6 years now. I am so tired of it. My GI is good but he keeps saying lets try this, then this, then this.So much expensive meds in my cabinet that did not work! Works for a few weeks maybe and I am back on the phone with him. The pouchitus is something I have no control over. It controls me. I wear pads at night in case it decides to make me leak. I have horrile pressure pains and gas which makes lots of days so miserable not to mention the days I just pour like water then the next day strain till my eyes pop because I feel like I have to go. STAND UP AND HAVE TO SIT BACK DOWN! I have just in the past year started taking care of my Mother who has alzheimers and is bedridden. I do everything for her. Doing that makes me think of my future. If I were to get down like her would I want someone to have to put me on the bedpan every hour or so then sometimes off then right back on or would I rather them change my bag? Im tired and disappointed with my pouch. So somebody help me please. How would you want to do it? Thank you.

Peewee - I've had the same thoughts re my older years with a pouch. My mom also had AD, and can't imagine being in that situation with a pouch. I had a great aunt with an ileostomy bag, and she was able to care for it until towards the end in the nursing home, where the nurses took care of it for her. I'm thinking I'd rather be in that situation than in the poop in the pants situation. That is ... if it ever came to that.

Peewee...I feel your pain! I was exactly where your are (except for the issue with your mom, so sorry) 4 months ago and I finally said "Enough!!" I went in on October 13th for a permanent ileostomy and I feel so much better. I can eat what I want, go where I want and not have to worry about butt burn, spasms or incontinence! This site helped me make my decision...all the stories of strength, determination and encouragement showed me that life is about living, and that is what I am doing now. The bag issue isn't the most pleasant thing, but the tradeoff is worth it! I hope you find a desicion you can live with!!

I think about that as well. I think as we all start to get older there will be alot more disscusion about this.

Hi to you both. Thanks so much for your input. I am moving so very much closer to the ostomy. One thing I would like to ask tarynnjosey. Back before I was reversed to the jpouch I had some bad skin problems where the bag went. It just stayed pretty raw and red. Does this get better or have things improved any? I still think I need the ostomy regardless just want to know how things are going to be. Thanks to you all.