It's really a very personal question and decision. What have you heard about pouches? Are there any specific concerns you have, either way? There are many, many people with great pouch experiences and many, many with great ostomy experiences!

Gin

Unless there is a reason not to first try the J-Pouch, I feel you have to give it a shot. If it doesnt work, you can live a pretty normal life with a permanent ostomy.

I'm apparently one of the few who, if I could do it over again, I think I'd stay with an ostomy. My j-pouch was made somewhat incorrectly (small pouch, long ATZ) and has caused quite a few problems for me over the last 21 years. I was doing fine with the ostomy while I had it.

However, if you have a surgeon who has LOTS of experience building j-pouches, and have someone who will provide you with excellent care afterwards (by that I mean years, not just months), you have very good odds of being happy with your results.

You may want to post this in the general discussion forum as well - I'm sure you'd get additional responses.

Whatever you decide, best of luck.