So, we decided to go for it and got a puppy a couple of weeks ago. She is pretty sweet most of the time and has only put holes in my son’s bag a few times. She does not go after it because of the smell like our neighbors dog but rather, I think because it hangs down over his shorts. He does not like to wear it inside and at four does not think about trying to hide it from people. After having it for 19 months I doubt he remembers much of his life without it.
That brings us to our next announcement. We are finally a go for surgery and are just waiting to be put on the schedule when our doctor returns from vacation. We are so scared and so excited. He is doing so amazingly well and just had perfect labs for the first time ever that we hate to rock the boat. At the same time we would like to give him ample time to adjust to his new plumbing, especially since he will not have a pouch, before “real” school starts. After we get through surgery I think I am most worried about butt burn for him because he will probably need some help cleaning still for a while and pre-school starts soon. Also his stools are pretty much all liquid now so I hope they can help with that. He has no memory of ever having normal BM’s, just explosive, urgent ones so this will all be new to him.
I am comforted knowing that if this does not work out and we need to go back to a perm ileostomy and bag that he will be fine. We have learned to manage quite well. It took some time but we did it. I think if we had had takedown quickly I would dread having to go back because the beginning was hard.
Thanks for listening. I’m sure I’ll have a million questions after surgery.

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Best wishes for a successful surgery and recovery! There are a lot of people who will be rooting for your son!

Anjuli

If i'm not mistaken that little pooch is a poodle. My parents bought me one of those when I was sick as a young boy. They are such clever dogs and they don't molt! Can you clip his claws?

I also wish your boy nothing but safety and excellent recovery from surgery. God speed.

Children are so amazing and we can learn so much from them. God bless that little boy for letting his bag hang out while he goes about his life.

I certainly hope this surgery is a great success and you can all enjoy good health. But, if you do need to go back to the ileo, your attitude will help your son keep his.

I couldn't have survived my surgeries without my MOm (and I was 26!) and now that I have my own son and one more on the way, I understand how very difficult the whole thing was on her. I think Moms are a whole force of nature unto themselves when their kids are suffering.

Since your son is too young to tell you, I thought I'd tell you what a great job you've done getting him through this time.