Hello. I am wondering if anyone else had trouble getting insurance to pre-approve J pouch or takedown surgeries because they are "elective." My son had his colon removed in Feb, he's 9, but now I'm getting run-around on this followup treatment. There's no way I can finance it out of my own pocket, and technically Charlie will continue living with the ostomy. I wonder if anyone else has faced this kind of insurance run-around.

Regarding J pouch and takedown, Charlie is SO happy, healthy, and energetic now, I am am having second thoughts about putting him through j pouch. He had horrifying UC, was in the hospital for 6 weeks, including 3 weeks of post-surgical complications after complete colon removal. When I think back to all that, and all that went before it, to see him so completely happy and free now, I wonder what the odds are for Charlie's future re: permanent ostomy vs. J pouch? Any experience or opinions to offer?

His surgery is scheduled 3 weeks from now, so we have some time to think about it.

Thank you all.

I'll answer the second part 1st. Haven't heard of jpouch as elective. I had the same concern after step 1 (of 2)

My surgeon practically guaranteed coverage and said SHE would fight the insurance co. if necessary.

Don't worry, I think your surgeon will also tell you it's in the bag (pun intended)

Your surgeon can tell you, but i think there's no time limit to decide on a jpouch. I think ll the parts will still be there to do it at any future date