I'm new to this site but have been readind all you blogs for several months since I have no one else to talk to about my up coimng surgery. I've had a ileostomy for almoth 4 years! Tried a reversal in 2007 and it was just a mess. I had major pelvic floor damage...So, my only option is to have the k-pouch done and I was just wondering how long the surgery was? Howw long will I be in the hospital (I asked but got different answers from everyone). How long is the surgery. My doctor said that we should have the rectum taken out at the same time because if it's done later there is a possiblity that they would damage the pouch. I said no but now I'm thinking I shoudld go ahead with it. Just hoping to get some answers from someone other than the Drs. It was suggested to me to get a medical alert braclet? What do you think?

Hi LG, where are you having your surgery? No one can predict the timeline of surgery, it's different depending on what needs to be done. The last three kpouchers I'm in contact with had an avg of 1 1/2 hrs, I know mine was 1 1/2 hrs 30 yrs ago. You'll be in the hospital about five days. Are you traveling? There are many members who had to travel and there is information here on that too.

I had my rectum removed at the time of my ileostomy. And, if you have no chance of having a jpouch, I personally agree removing the rectum so you do not face another surgery. There's no reason to keep it. Nowadays they also completely close up the anus which is referred to as a "barbie butt".

There is so much information to read here in this forum. And, several newbies have just had their new kpouches and will hopefully reply soon.

I keep all my personal information under ICE in my cell phone. I used to have an id bracelet that said "continent ostomy catheter interbation".

Best to you...and keep us posted.

Hi,

I just had my k-pouch surgery at the end of October after my sphincter muscles were permanently damaged during my j-pouch surgery.

Honestly the best decision. The K-pouch is very easy for me to manage and in comparison to the temp ileo I had for four months, it's a world of difference.

My surgery only took 1 1/2 hours like Janice said. I was in the hospital one week. The first couple weeks after surgery are a little tough, but so worth it. I would recommend just having your rectum out now too and close up the anus. You don't need it and if you don't have to have another surgery later, even better.

If you have more questions don't hesitate to ask. Good luck.

Hi lg
I had my surgery 3 yrs ago and it took 5 1/2 hrs. I had a lot of scarr tissue from radiation in the past. I was in the hospital for 9 days and they told me it was the average time for this procedure. I had my rectum removed 10 yrs ago and had a colostomy due to colon cancer. I know it's scary! Been there myself! You will get through it and be fine. This website is a heaven sent! You get lots of info and advice from here. Good luck to you.

I can only wish you tons of luck..it will all soon be over and your new life with a k pouch will begin..
Each patient is different depending on how sick you were beforehand and what you had had previously done...I know that I had begged for them to remove the rectum and close off the anus in step one but it was refused...they ended up doing it months later...and I have never regreted it...30 yrs later I feel great...just take it easy, listen to your doctors and follow the rules...and you will be just fine..
Sharon

Thanks for everyone's reply. I started out with Breast cancer and got c-diff in the hospital and then was given chemo before it was gone and it turned spetic and I had major damage in the rectum and anus area and they had to take my colon because it was so gaingren (sp?) Ended up with an illeostomy and 22 surgeries later I'm hoping that the K-pouch will make a difference in my life since none of this had to happen except the Breast Cancer! I'll check in with everyone after I get home. Thanks again for all the info.

Back home from surgery! Its lasted 3 hours because of all the scar tissue. Was in the hospital 5 days and now going thru the hard part. Flushing cath, trying to figure out what to eat, etc. When I left the hospital I was on a full liguid diet. Anybody out there have any great ideas on what to eat and drink? Would love to know. Thanks, LG

Hi LG...glad you are home so quickly and doing well. I had my Kpouch surgery Dec 09 and love it. Right now is the hard part, but you will be amazed at how quick time flys and soon you the cath will be out and you'll be on your training schedule and then before you know it you are sleeping 8 hours and putting the tube in with your eyes closed.

Everyone's body is different in how the process food. I did well with chicken, mashed potatos, cream of wheat...things like that, but everyone is different so you need to see what works for you. Chewing is key (which I'm horrible at still) and drinking plenty of fluids. They recommend grape juice or prune juice, others like green tea...it all depends on what your body reacts to, but always drink plenty of water. While the cath is in stay away from food that have skin. When it's out you can start testing foods. I'm sure if you've read the posts you will hear Janice talk about all of it. She's a great resource...we call her the KP mama.

You can PM any time. Most of us are on Facebook and talk a lot about everything on there as well.

Welcome to the Kpouch family

Hi LG....congratulations!! Sounds great...I do not advise intubating with your eyes closed though you could miss!
As for food and drink I go for the morning purne juice, very little in the way of carbs (bread, potatoes, rice etc...they make the output too thick for my taste and take too long for me and my life)
I have a really great hand held blender and also has a couple of chopping bowls that go with it too...I put most fruits and vegetables into it and BZZZZZZZZ...liquify most 'dangerous' stuff with skin or peel or hard fibers...pineapple and melon and tough fruits...my life has changed since I got it..I make smoothies out of almost anything...soups too and puréed vegetables...my pouch loves it...I stay away from fried foods and beans etc but for the rest I am fine and my bread products are all whole grains (do not try this until the tube is out...seeds can get caught and then you are in trouble if it is sewed in!)
Enjoy the learning experience..this is the fun part...
(be ware of pills...anything that is the 24hr kind and takes time to absorb will go right through you so don't be afraid to break them up or chew them)
Sharon