Hi from Billings Montana! My husband has had a J-Pouch for almost 13 years now (had UC, took out the colon manjor compications, 7 surgeries in 13 months..). We live in Billings, MT and have thought about starting a support group for quite sometime. Even more now since last year he was diagnosed with Crohns! When he had this rare surgery in 1997, there was almost nobody who knew about it in Montana. He felt like just finding a doctor that knew about it without having to look it up in the medical books would be a huge accomplishment! Facing many difficult and rare complications after surgery #1 was very challenging without support- from dietary support to stoma support, fistula, catheder bloackage, etc, etc.- we had nobody and were forced to go through all this alone...learning the steps by ourselves throughout the journey. So..we would very much like to know if there is interest in a support group in our state. To all of you who are going through any of this UC, Crohns, anything digestive at all..You are always in our thoughts and prayers!

Hi, I live in Sheridan, Wyoming and was interested in your post. I had j-pouch surgery in 2005 and had three steps which were completed in 2006. I know exactly what you mean by feeling alone. It would be great to have a support group and be able to talk to other j-pouchers. I would be very interested. I have also communicated with a lady in Billings who had a j-pouch in the past few years so I believe there are some pouchers around. We occasionally go to Billings so it wouldn't be too far. It sounds as though your husband has been through so much. I am sorry to hear that Crohns is his diagnosis. I am very interested in a support group. Thanks--

Super! 3 on board for a MT/WY support Group! One from Bozeman, one from Billings, one from Sheridan! I am also going to be checking with several dieticians and others to see if they are interested in meeting, say once a month or once every two months?

I just moved to Livingston, MT. Are you still running the group?

Hi! We just did not get quite enough people. We would be happy to offer advice on local docs, dietitians, and connect you with others in the area through the other posts on here. Good luck!

I know this is an old post..but there are 5 people in Livingston that I know all j-pouchers 3 of us have same surgeon at Mayo in MN.