Just wondered from those of you that have had a slipped valve -- how invasive was the surgery to fix it. How long did it take to recover? Thanks!

Do you have a slipped valve or do you suspect it? A slipped valve means full blown pouch surgery...they have to open the abdomen and work from the inside of the pouch itself...if the valve is viable then they can fix it and close you up...if it is not viable then they have to remove the valve, cut 17cms minimum of aferent limb (the intestine leading into the pouch and still attached to it) and then flip the pouch over and create a new valve from it all the while reattaching/hooking up the pouch to the intestine lead to it...a lot of surgery!
I have had it done twice in the last few years plus at least 4 valve repairs....it is not easy surgery....by the way, they do not need to create a new pouch...just the valve unless your pouch is compromised for some reason (ulcers, pouchitis etc)
Make sure, if you need it, that you choose a really good surgeon to do it.
Sharon

I'm suspecting I have one. For a little while, some gas will escape if my pouch is getting full and there is stool seepage at night sometimes. I haven't had any pain though and it only happens every few days. Think it could be something else?

Unfortunately Dylan, it sounds like one but I will tell you what my surgeon told me whenever that sort of thing started...tape the tube into the pouch for a few days (use a plug or a leg bag according to your needs and situation) and see if it helps afterwards...for now, avoid fiberous foods that can get stuck in the valve, high gas preforming foods(especially at night),and anything that requires you to over intubate or makes you take out and put back in the tube too much. (nuts, tomatoes, skin etc...)
After doing that for about a week, try to see if it is still happening...if so, contact your doc for an opacification of the valve (they inject contrast liquid into the valve)...By the way, you are not by some remote chance taking Alie, the diet aid or something similar to loose weight? I had the same problem last year, about 5 xs, gas and stool leakage. I then realised that it usually happened when I was dieting and using Alie to help me with the fat absorbtion...it isolates the fats and makes your stool 'greasy'...stuff was getting stuck in the valve and the fat was allowing the valve to open and let stuff leak...I stopped the Alie and the leaks stopped....
Just a thought.
Sharon

No, I'm not taking Alie. I do what you suggested and see what happens. Any chance it could be foods that I'm eating. I don't have any pain or problems intubating so it doesnt seem like a valve slip. I really hope not anyway...

To be honest, It could be a lot of things and hopfully a slip is not one of them...yes, certain gassy foods can fill you up fast (try beano or gas-x) but you should never leak and even less so with added pressure...could something be stuck in the valve and blocking it open (some fiber, a piece of nut?) it can happen and then not be repeated once the offending piece is removed but if this is happening regularly it doesn't sound like a foreign object...did you do any unusual movements, pick up, put down, bend or stretch strangly? Did you feel a 'pull' or 'tear' at any time in the recent past? Some of the reasons for leaks can be hernias (the valve is no longer supported by the muscle wall), a twisted pouch that puts stress on the valve by pulling it in the wrong direction or a couple of things that I have never heard of...monitor it carefully (is it positional? like if you are only sitting/laying on your right or left side?)...I leak if I am full and then squat down...not bending or stretch but a squat on my haunches (my pouch is low so it pushes it up and unlocks the valve)....
Test everything and keep a diary..also test in the tube for air bubbles coming out.
Sharon

Just a thought to add. Don't rule out the problem stemming from a fistula.

Ray