End-Ileo that is…

Well after 18 months of a “temp” loop-ileo and one failed attempt to do a takedown. I’ve decided to go the end-ileo route. For those of you who don’t know my story, the nut-shell version is a three-part JP back in 1997-98, a few good years of JP happiness. Then around 2002 things started to get a little hairy. Adheasions, chronic Cuffitis and Pouchitis, a nasty stricture that wouldn’t go away. After a few years of no sleep, countless bathroom trips, a few trips to Cleveland Clinic, and going through just about every medication I threw in the towel. And in July of 2005 I had my Surgeon divert my JP to a loop-ileo. In that surgery he took out all my adhesions and treated my stricture as well.

Since then I’ve gotten myself back into the best shape I’ve been in for years. I’ve gained 30+ pounds and most importantly I’ve got my life back with my Wife and Kids. I haven’t been ruled by a toilet in 18 months. Things have just been great!

This past June, we tried to do a takedown back to my JP, but my cuff was still inflamed and the stricture came back a bit. So my surgeon did a quick dilatation and asked me to give it a few months before we try again. Well, this past week he did an exam on me and my cuff is still a bit inflamed. Not bad enough to warrant removing the cuff, but just enough to say no-go on a takedown.

So my decision was to put and end to messing with this bugger of a loop-ileo and convert it to an end-ileo. I’ll have many more options from an ostomy product standpoint with an end-ileo.

We are going to leave the JP and cuff in tack. The hope is that someday a sure fire cure for Cuffitis will come around, or maybe it will just clear up on its own. Who knows! Either way the option to go back will always be there for me.

So, yes here comes my 11th surgery in the past 10 years. Hopefully this one will keep me out of the OR for a few years.

Surgery is at 9:00 am on Friday 12/28.

Good luck Bill. I'm glad you're so comfortable with the ostomy that you can make it "permanent".

Pam

Hey Bill, good luck with your surgery! I have had my end ileo for a little over seven months and it's soo much easier to care for compared to a loop. Take care.

Nothing from me here Bill, over the last year between our phone calls and emails... well all I have to say is "ITS ABOUT TIME BROTHER!"

Hey Bill...

Best of luck with all this.

Bill......

I'll be thinking of you with envy!! As I have plans to do the exact same thing this Spring, if not before.......

Since you already have the loop ileo, how much of a procedure is it to revert to the end ileo?

Best of luck..I know you have had your share of struggles~
Happy Holidays!
Char.....

Good luck. With all these surgeries, I hope insurance paid most of that six mill for your sphincter.

Well, I guess i should be renamed to the "Six Million $ Stoma" now!

Ummm, Bill, I hope that wasnt an attempt at a joke... LOL jk man .. great talking tonight and nice to see others join me with a crazy internal set up! Then again, you fit the profile!

Hey Bill - congrats on reaching a decision. You sound at peace with it and that makes all the difference. I hope that you are up and running quickly after this next surgery so you can get back to all the great things you've been doing!

Hi Bill,

Just chiming in with the good wishes.

Fingers, toes and other body parts crossed for a smooth transition from loop to end.

Take care and good luck

Shell

Dear Bill,

Best of luck!

Post when you can.

Hi Bill,
Haven't been online lately as we are totally remodeling our house,computer is unhooked and I don't know when I will be online, what a mess. Just wanted to say good luck with the up coming op and the best to you and your family. Merry Christmas...

Hi Bill,
I think I could live the pouch too if I had to. It really wasn't that bad after you got used to it. It also gave me a new life off of the toilet; anything is better than that.

Best of luck!

Good for you, Bill. I'm glad you were able to make a decision on your terms. Who knows, down the road maybe there will be a better treatment for the cuffitis, but for now the end-ileo seems like a good idea. I really hope that if I'm faced with the same issue in February with my Crohn's that I will be able to handle the transition to an end ileo with the sense of humor and acceptance that you have demonstrated. And next year we're definitely running the "guts and glory" marathon together! (I'm working with a personal trainer now to get some of my strength back).
Best of luck with the surgery!!!