So I know I posted about infor on the K-pouch....since then I have been in the hospital with an obstruction. I have had an NG in since tues and have had no improvement or resolution of obstruction. I was told today that I have to have surgery and I will find out tomorrow when. They do not do k-pouches obviously here and I do not want a temp ileo if I do not have to have one, but it could very well be a possibility.

So was it hard for you all to get approved for an out-of-network procedure and like me within a coupke days? Did they make a fuss b/c you could have an in-netwrk ileo instead of an out of netwrk procedure like the k-pouch? I meet with my surgeon tomorrow am and would love to hear your answers.
lizzie

Hi Lizzie, you're going through alot. If your health depends on the immediate need to have the ileostomy, then I think you should follow their advice. Especially if they need to find and resolve the source of your problems.

Get your health back, and then look into having it converted to a kock pouch. A kock pouch is not a simple procedure, you'll need to travel and the after care is a bit more time consuming. I do not recommend rushing through the process. Yes, another possible surgery, but doable.

Every insurance company/plan is different and they hopefully will do what your surgeon recommends and what is in your best interest. My insurance company approved an ileostomy (in network surgeon) with a kock pouch conversion (out of network surgeon) after reading both surgeon's recommendations. I needed to gain weight and wait for biopsies results, etc. before the kpouch.

Please don't loose hope. Just focus on the short term goal of getting well. Best to you!

Thanks for your reply Janice....

I did end up getting a ileostomy Aril 13 and may be discharged tomorrow. It has been a rough 10 days in the hospital and even harder adjusting to the ileostomy.

I believe my surgeon would help me in any way I caould. I am stilll interested in the k-pouch and at least getting an opinion about it. In your opinion how long should one wait in between surgeries if I were to be a candidate. I appreciate your help.

Lizzie

Hi Lizzie, personally, I think my kpouch surgeon having me wait six mos was good. I gained 20lbs and was in much better shape then before my ileo. surgery. You'll want to be sure poo is flowing out of your ileo and everything is functional.

In the meantime while you are learning how to manage your ileo, there is support in the this forum as well as at the www.uoaa.org. ET nurses are also wonderful.

My ileostomy and Kock Pouch were 8 months apart. I was allergic to the adhesive on the bags and products so a Kock Pouch was a blessing for me. I to this day would do it all over again.

A doctor would have to decide if you are a good candidate or not.