Do you think that an older J-pouch (14 yrs old) would be a more difficult conversion to a kock pouch than lets say, an ileostomy or a not-so-old J-pouch? Would there be more adhesions to deal with? Would there be a greater chance of more post surgical issues? I am still entertaining the decision to go ahead with this surgery but would like to pick your minds. I also have PSC and am wondering how this disease would affect a Kock Pouch once it becomes active. Does anyone know someone who has PSC and A Kock Pouch???

Surgery related adhesions are formed within the first couple of weeks of surgery, so the age of the pouch would have little to no impact on that. However, if you have had chronic pouchitis and/or issues such as fistulas and abscesses, that could lead to additional problems. Chronic inflammation of the pouch would make it have a thicker wall and be stiff. Those are qualities that may affect its use as a k-pouch.

Jan

I had an eight-year old j-pouch when I chose to have k-pouch surgery. A new pouch was made since my surgeon saw the old j-pouch was not useful. I don't miss the extra intestine that had to be used to make a k-pouch, and life is better since the k-pouch surgery in 2003.

I don't know that there is any difference in quality of life for patients with their k-pouches made from a former j-pouch or from other intestine material.

It's good news that adhesions do not continue to grow year after year. I like the idea of using an existing pouch of couse but I have had chronic pouchitis for a very long time so I doubt that mine is usable. However, I agee that you cannot say for sure until they open you up. I am concerned with short gut syndrome but I guess a person can have two pouches created without a problem. The unknown really makes me nervous and this will be the most difficult decision of my life. It's good for me to hear that your pouch, Lynne, was not a very young one, and that your surgery was a success.

I had the majority of my 17 yr J-pouch turned into a K-pouch nearly 3 years go. My Surgeon, Dr Fazio created my current K-pouch from my existing J-pouch;he removed a diseased section/portion of my existing J-pouch, used some additional small intestine and my new K-pouch was complete. I actually think there are advantages of using your existing J-pouch, as long it's healthy. My pouch was already mature therefore able to absorb water, some nutrients,and retain larger amounts of waste. It took me 10 years to sleep through the night with my J~ I was sleeping through the night with my K just after 1 year.

I will say going from a J to a K is an adjustment~I am doing GREAT and LOVE being healthy and very physically active. I have also come to the realization that I will always need a catheter to empty, have available a medical kit/bag of supplies, the time needed in the bathroom will always be @ 10", 6-10x/day, there are some foods I will never eat again, and for now have a low fiber/residue diet after almost 3 years.

It gets easier and easier to adjust over time just like the J-pouch.

Hope this helps. You're welcome to e-mail me privately.

I had my 13 year old j-pouch converted to a k-pouch and I am almost 2 1/2 years post k-pouch surgery. I empty generally 4xs a day (sometimes 5 depending upon what I've been eating) in the bathroom anywhere from 5-10 mins again depending upon what I've been eating.

Its definitely an adjustment . For me, totally worth it. I just came to the realization I would never have good quality of life with my j-pouch and fistula situation. I haven't looked back! No more slave to the bathroom!!!

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katie