This summer, probably 3 months after I had my colectomy, a month before my j-pouch formation, I went on a camping trip over by Sonora, Ca. It was way out in the trees on the Stanislaus river if anybody knows the area. It was hardly a campsite, no bathrooms no nothing, just a fire pit in a clearing on the river. We had more beer than we had water and we had planned to eat what we caught but we only had two trout on the first day so we were lucky we brought some other food.

I had my ostomy to care for with no running water and just a hole in the ground to empty it into. I was pretty nervous about the ostomy but showed myself I could handle that situation with no I'll effects.

I was thinking about that trip recently and started to think about going on similar trips once I have my takedown. I was wondering if anybody else had some outdoors stories pre or post takedown stories and how they delt with their ostomy or j-pouch in the wilderness.

I decided that that was going to be my measure of success for my j-pouch. If I'm unable to to hike and fish and hunt, its not worth it. Rip that baby out. I sometimes worry if I made the right decision. I really have no problem dealing with my ostomy. I have a good system worked out and even with a loop ilio I can go over a week sometimes between changes.

Sometimes I think the only reason I'm putting my self through all this is because what other people will think.

I would have to say kudos to you for taking care of it outdoors without a bathroom. If you can do that a j-pouch should not slow you down at all. I know it does not slow me down. I work out like I used to and I am outdoors too. Good luck with everything.

KeithO, I see no reason you can not continue your hobbies. I also enjoy hunting, fishing, camping, hiking, and do as much as I can, I also like to ride motorcycle, and take a couple of nice bike trips each year. since my takedown in ("02") I have taken several fishing and hunting trips (Iwish I could share some pictures with you,) It is my opinion the pouch is much better than the bag, although I did not have much trouble with the bag, my biggest consern about the bag is when you get older,(I'm 62) I think there could be some real issues then. One thing I would like to encourage you to do, is to take your time, I think it is really important to let the body heal (I learned the hard way) Take your time, Heal up and then GO FOR IT!!!, I am not familar with Sonora Ca, but I do spend some time each year at Josha Tree Ca, where I ride dual sport,
Good Luck, and have no fear, life does not end with the J-pouch, it begins, Den

Keith - Suebear (from Santa Barbara) has hiked/camped in the Sierra's (in a flashflood!), has hiked down into, along, and out of the Grand Canyon, and has hiked all the way across England with her j-pouch. These are just a few of the hikes/camping trips she's been on. So I'd have to say you don't have a thing to worry about. Well, except for that hunting thing. As I recall, hunting is absolutely forbidden when one has a j-pouch....

kathy

I made it from Mammoth Pass to Yosemite valley , it took 7 days and lots of extra TP. Oh don't forget to bring the butt cream!! We ate lots of freash fish, and the dry goods we brought along did not have any ill effects on me at all.

All this is encouraging. I've got to remember that this is a support group for j-pouches and there are going to be more incidences of problems on here than usual. Thanks a bunch guys.

But Kathy, freeing yourself from the supermarket feels so good!!! And as much as I love a good steak or burger, venison and other game (even squirrel) is healthier than beef!

This is a little off topic but anybody ever had squirrel. I've heard its quite good and in Europe its actually caught on in fine restaurants. Anybody from the other side of the pond seen this?

Keith,
One of the first questions I had of my surgeon out of the OR was would I be able to continue backpacking and more importantly would squatting in the woods affect my pouch? He said to go forth and enjoy the wilderness and don't worry about altered bathrooms circumstances. I have done numerous backpacks and long distance hikes since then with no problem.

Sue

No problems camping - for the most part.

We went to CO last summer and spent 3-4 days camping. I was a little concerned about frequency, but found things better there then at home. I attribute it to prayer and being a bit more dehydrated than at home. I had no problems spending the day hiking, and found that I only had to trek to the bathroom 1-2 times/night.

There was a trip I took last August here in MO though... I was up 5-6 times the first night, and it was a good 1/4 mile to the bathroom. Ugh! Just a bad night - but that can happen anytime I suppose.

quote:

This is a little off topic but anybody ever had squirrel.

I had some squirrel with my organic pop tarts last week...the furry tail caused a nasty blackage so I have to cut back on it.
It is on my list of foods to lay off of - tomato sauce, leafy vegetables and squirrel.
Have a butt burn free day
David

KeithO - We meet again and I have the same concerns with post surgery as am an avid outdoorsman and am a die hard bowhunter.

I should be getting surgery #3 in July and that wil give me two months to figure out my body before bow season opens for deer in mid Sept. I wonder if I am going to be able to sit in my stand for 4 hours without having to go. I also go on a Pheasant hunt to Nebraska every year for work where I take clients up in our company plane and we hunt for two days. I have the same concern, can I hold it while I walk around and shoot birds for 3 or 4 hours....

The wa I see it is I have no choice, I have to make it all work because I am not going to stop living my life just because I don'thave a Colon...

Good luck brother.