I asked for advice on the k-pouch. I think I am confused. Is there a difference between the k and j pouch. When one has a j pouch do you poop through your bottom or into a bag? Is the k pouch an internal bag that is irrigated?

A j-pouch is an internal reservoir that connects to your anus and you poop out of the usual place.

A k-pouch is an internal reservoir that has a stoma at the surface of the abdomen. The stoma is flat (rather an a tradition ostomy which protrudes about 1" from the abdomen) and there is a valve constructed at the internal base of the stoma that prevents stool from coming out of the stoma unless you put a catheter into. Instead of wearing a bag over the stoma as with a traditional ostomy, you wear a bandage over the stoma unless you are catheterizing it.

Hope this helps!

Thanks, that does help. I will read up on both.

Sorry to but in on your post but I have a question for JillM or anyone else with K-pouch info. By the way I have a J-pouch.
What causes the K-pouch to have to be used or chosen over the J-pouch?

K-pouches are used if a j-pouch fails, or if for some reason a j-pouch can't be created because of anatomy issues, or say, weak sphincter muscles, etc...It is an alternative to the traditional ostomy, but is done much less frequently and you need to be sure you get a dr who really knows how to do them.

When my pouch failed I opted for a traditional ostomy for two reasons: you can still get pouchitis in a k-pouch and since that was why I was giving up the j-pouch I didn't want to risk it. Second, I love to travel and since the k-pouch is much less known, I didn't want to risk being somewhere out of the country with an emergency and not be able to find someone who really knew what I needed.

But, for some people it is a great option.