Hi, Iam scheduled for surgery for temp ileo on 4/4 and I am questioning if the temp ileo is the right decision. On the 1st step with temp ileo it was a nightmare (leaks, etc) and had that for 6 wks then had take down on 12/05. I have had on going pouchitis and do not want to stay on meds the rest of my life and still not feeling well. My doctor recommends a temp ileo saying the surgery will be easier on me then a perm ileo. Can someone give me some advise with this decision to go with temp ileo over perm ileo. From reading this web site it sounds like some have had problems with there temp ileo and changed to perm. while others are happy with temp ileo.
Thanks,
Jan C

Hi Jan and welcome to the family.

Is your surgeon refering to a temporary loop ileostomy? You are right that loops are notoriously hard to take care of. You could ask about having an end ileostomy that still leaves your j-pouch in place. They would simply blank off the j-pouch end of your ileum so that you have a proper end ileostomy. I think they suture the unused end near to the ileostomy so that it can be easily retrieved when they re-connect your j-pouch.

I think the best thing would be for you to speak to your surgeon again and ask him exactly what he intends to do. This would put your mind at rest and give you the chance to express your concerns to him.

Good luck and take care.

Shell

Shell thanks for responding, Yes it was the end ileostomy he is talking about, though I am not expecting to reconnect the j pouch unless they can come up with a cure for pouchitis without taking antibiotics all the time. He also said he would not close me off to have a Barbie butt. My 1st experience with an temp ileostomy was terrible, because of the stoma. My doctor explained why and assured me this stoma will be better and easier to work with.
I am just nervous.
Thanks,
Jan C

Jan,
Shell is right.

My surgeons gave me the option of going with an end or loop ileo, and keep the pouch for temporary relief. The reason they suggested it was because it's a much more simple procedure, and they said it could be done via a laparascope.

I elected to have the pouch removed, went to the end, and now have a 'Ken butt'. I NEVER want to have any surgery again, ESPECIALLY anything involving the abdomen! I was also diagnosed with probable Crohn's disease in the pouch, which was a major factor in my decision.

I just had all this done 6 days ago, so it's still VERY fresh and I guess I conveniently forgot about all the pain involved, and the time/patience required for recovery.

If you think you'll ever give the pouch a try again down the road, I'd elect to do the temporary end ileostomy (MUCH easier to care for than the loop) and wait it out. There are several people that went that route, and say they're never going back to the pouch because they feel so great! Your recovery from a laparascopic procedure will involve WAY less pain, and your recovery will be MUCH quicker!

Best of luck to you!

//Todd

It is problematic when we use terms like temporary and permanent for an ileostomy. You can have a loop or end ileostomy either temporarily or permanently, so it is much better to use end or loop so you are sure both you and your doctor are talking about the same thing.

But, bottom line, if you are going to have an ileostomy for more than a few months, an end ileostomy is really the best way to go. They can close off the pouch as a "blind end" and worry about it later, if necessary.

Jan

Thanks Todd L and Jan Dollar, My doctor said it would be the end ileostomy but he would make an incision instead of laproscopic. He said he preferred to go that route for faster healing. He said the surgery would not be as bad as 1st surgery, but more than take down surgery. As of the last weekend of I am bleeding more when I go to the bathroom - so not sure what that means. I will contact my doctor to advise him.
Todd I've been reading up on you and it sounds like your doing pretty good even though you have the pain. My doctor also said that the end ileostomy would be like if it was a permanent one. In one since I will be glad to have this over yet I am nervous about getting use to a bag.
Jan C