I am 58 years old and have UC. I was to have my colon removed last December but wound up in the hospital with a lung issue, now directly related to the colon. They said it is rare but does happen. I have been doing better but it is flairing up again. I can not do anything until the lung issue is cleared up.
I was going to have an illiostmy ileostomy (permament) but was told I was a good candidate for a J Pouch.

Do you still have the urgency issues, soft runny stools, stomach cramps, accidents, etc.
Hard to decide between pros and cons of both options. I have heard bad things and good things about both.

The vast majority of us continue to have loose stools, but the big difference is that after the adaptation period (which can last 6 months or more), there is no urgency. An ileostomy is a great solution to UC, but it is not the best solution for many people. I would not let your age deter you from thinking you cannot do well with a j-pouch. They used to say that anyone over 40 might not be "young" enough to tolerate the recovery. With improved techniques things have really changed and there are successful j-pouch surgeries on those in their 70s, 80s, and even 90s.

One important thing to understand is that if you decide to try the j-pouch, you can still revert to a permanent ileostomy if you feel that the j-pouch is not working out for you. The opposite is not true, however, and once your rectum is removed, you cannot switch from an end ileostomy to a j-pouch.

It all depends on you and what you are willing to deal with. I can tell you that for me, I love not having to bring equipment with me everywhere I go. But, this is a personal choice that only you can make.

Jan

I agree with Jan completely. I have no urgency and haven't had accident issues. Stools are soft but again without urgency. I hated the temp ileo but could live with it again if absolutely necessary. With that, I had skin irritation around the stoma, just getting ready in the mornings took so much longer with changing and cleaning, having to carry the extra supplies any time I left the house, etc. Good luck with your decision!

I am 52 and am 3 months post takedown. I really have had many second thoughts but now I am starting to have better control and less urgency. I still have bad days but all in all I am glad that I have the j pouch. I had a hard time with my ileostomy (leaking and skin irritation), was counting down the days to my takedown surgery. My joint pain has decreased and I don't feel tired all the time. Good Luck

I am 6 weeks post take down. And to be honest, for me it has been a lot of reading, and trying different things, like immodium before each meal and metamucil and salba before breakfast and dinner. The good news is that it is getting better! I personally had no problems with having an illeostomy. And so I know that if all else fails, I can go back to having an illeostomy. But so far so good with the j pouch, and I am know it will continue to get better and better!

Best of Luck to you in making your choice. I am one who always follows her internal guidance system. I always ask the questions I have, and then listen to what my heart tells me.