35 years with no problems - then various problems intubatin for the past 3 years. Ended up in hopital with an infection a inflammed valve. The GI team inserted a tube which I kept in for 6 weeks; I changed weekly by inserting  an endo wire in through the old tube, pulling it out over the wire (used in endoscopy), then using the wire to guide in the new tube. Now inflammation is gone and sll is back to normal. 

I had a conventional ileostomy for 2 years and still skiied, swam and hiked. My skin is ultra-sensitive and breaks down easily so the Kock pouch was a godsent!  In spite of this recent problem, I've had a better quality of life with the pouch!!

Thank you, I'm currently deciding whether a KP is better for me than an ileostomy and it's looking like the way to go! 

K pouch since 1979, numerous redos due to an other underlying disease (Ehler's-Danlos...a congenital collagen deficiency that that means that I do not heal like other people, my body does not make the 'glue' needed...so I fall apart at the seams).

I moved across the Atlantic and started a new life in France thanks to the k pouch. I teach, lecture and travel. I would have never dared to do any of these things pre-pouch and wouldn't have had the courage with an ileo.

My pouch gives me liberty, freedom and a strong sense of normality (most of the time!) It has its moments when I rant and rave and complain (silently to myself) but most of the time I do not think about it or I couldn't do everything that I do in life...which is a lot for even normal people. 

I am an Everready Bunny...always on the go. Thank you K pouch

Sharon