This is a support site and is more frequently visited by those having problems or those just having surgery. Most of us are fine and are out living life and not coming her to share how well we are doing. I'm one of those. I'm 12 years out from surgery and have no problems, no other health issues, take no medications, eat what I want, and am an avid long distance (100-200 miles) hiker. Life has been great these past 12 years and I look forward to many more.

Sue

My pouch enabled me to take up scuba diving and martial arts. I've been very happy with my choice.

Oh, Goodness,
I am so sorry Cathy,
We are surely not the norm of pouchers across the world...We are Soooo the exception. The vocal exception. Like the others said, having a pouch has freed most of us for life from the bonds of disease and pain...we travel, live life and love to the fullest...Something that we could never otherwise do before the pouch.
Take heart, she will be fine, she is young and she is going to have a wonderful life.
That is my Christmas wish for you and her.
Sharon
(and my Christmas wishes tend to come true )
ps...look at my signature...I having been living in France since about 3yrs post pouch...I would never have been able to do that otherwise.

Cathy if I remember correctly arond 92% of J Pouchers are happy with their results and I am one of them. My pouch has ben a god send and I am feeling better than ever. No more meds and feeling great.

I have had my pouch since 2009--doing great!!

I have had my well behaved pouch for 17 and a half years and counting....This site is a place for people with questions and problems. Don't let it scare you - just educate you.

Pray for the best possible outcome. It can happen.
CJ

This is a support site so of course this is where you will read all the unpleasant stuff. Problems are the minority not the majority. Try not to worry....she will do great. Recovery takes time and patience. I'm very grateful for this procedure. No regrets here!

Awe please don't worry! It will all be ok. On this site people need advice. For example I'm on here a lot but it's for the fistula I'm fighting. But on a good note my jpouch is great! I don't regret a thing and yes there is a lot of negative on here there is also a lot of positive. A lot of the rant and rave has great stories! In August I posted about a year out from my take down and I felt great. My surgeon told me it takes time to heal and that's so true. Patience is key! Please don't be sad bc there is a lot of good!

My husband's surgery allowed us to finally have a baby. We have a wonderful 16 1/2 year old son now. My husband has a better quality of life than when he had colitis and was miserable on steroids.

Cathy
I went from age 17 to 45 with UC never stopped me from doing any thing. When I hit 45 I had a colonoscopy that showed I had high grade dysplasia so out came the colon, In the recovery room as I was coming out of the anesthetics I started barfing I pulled a stich 9 hours later I'm back in surgery as they spent 3 hours and 12 pints of blood looking for the leak. that was early June 2012. Aug 1 I took my Army jeep to a show 150 miles away. Sept I was back to work part time still wearing the bag. Feb 2013 I had my take down. and may I was back to full time work.

Ps I work in the forestry/railway and Army reserve.
Murray

Thank you all so much for your stories of encouragement, and my heart goes out to all who have suffered with uc, chrons, and more. Your all so brave, I wish you all a Blessed Holiday. Bree is feeling better everyday! Cathy. All the Glory is Gods

Glad she's feeling better each day!

I had my j-pouch formed on Nov 21/13. I had some issues in the first few days while in hospital but now that is all a month behind me and I am extremely happy with my decision to go for the pouch. I don't have any regrets so far. I do have a sore bottom and am in the bathroom 10 times a day but am happy and really looking forward to everything life has to offer.
Michelle

Don't get too down! Like others said, this is mostly a support site for people having issues.

I've had nothing but good with my pouch. I eat anything I want, anytime I want, and I have no urgency issues or other complications. And I really mean anything/anytime. I've been known to eat pizza right before bed. Please don't tell anyone. LOL

No leaks, no pain, heck, I rarely even think about having a J-pouch.


(in the first few months after surgery, there is a learning process as your body adjusts to new sensations, etc. . .but most of that should pass in a few months)

dog lucky you!!your operation came out the way we all hoped ours would..but unfortunately this is not how the cookie crumles for some of us..with that said..most people fair quite well like dog ..and chances are very high newbies will do well..

this site often is about the 15 or so per cent who have various issues with the pouch..not the majority..

I don't believe this site is just for the 15% with problems. For me personally, I like the connection of communicating with people who have a common past. I find this site extremely educational and useful for minor issues that I may be experiencing without calling the doctor. Members, as well as doctors are unique in suggesting tricks and tips to help prevent and deal with future issues.

Sometimes newbies are not able to understand or communicate symptoms that are completely normal to pouchers and members can help calm their fears and spend more time educating and sympathizing than family, friends or doctors.

Cathy,

Take heart - I had UC for 13 years and was so distressed about surgery at first. Now that I've got it done I've been SO much healthier. Surgery really was an answered prayer for me. God is good and He has your daughter in His hands. Feel free to message anytime.