Here's the way I look at it. I was sick, really really sick. I had the opportunity to get my life back..a second chance, with surgery. I covet my good health and engage in healthy habits; diet, exercise, and sleep, in order to maintain my good health. I'm grateful for what I have and want to keep it this way for a very long time.

Sue

Jimmy,

I am not sure of your age, but I would guess you are on the younger side (I am 50). If I am correct, you have a long life ahead of you, hopefully with a functioning jpouch. I know the temptations are out there, but like Sue, I would NEVER want to do anything that would possibly endanger my health further or mess with my jpouch functioning (not saying that illicit drugs would or would not do this?).

On the flip side of this, there have been many people with UC who swear by using weed to help with the pain and bleeding and it is prescribed medicinally now in many cases.

My take on this is no one really knows the true shelf life of a jpouch. Why not try and do everything you can to retain it, but also realize this advice is coming from someone who has been struggling to retain my pouch for over 2 years and I do not engage in any unhealthy behaviors other than an occasional drink now and then.

Jimmy, I would like to tell you that illicit drugs will harm your j-pouch, but really, it would not harm your j-pouch any more than it would harm the rest of your body. You can look up side effects of various recreational drugs as easy as the next guy, so I think you know about all that. My primary concern would be not about the drugs you know you are taking, but the fact that the dealers cut their drugs with all sorts of stuff, and THAT is where the real harm can take place. This is not about medication grade cocaine or medical marijuana, but street drugs with who-knows-what added in. In addition, even if the cutting agent is perfectly safe (most likely), you do not know the concentration of the cocaine, or whatever, that you are using. That is how overdose happens.

Realistically, it is like Russian Roulette. You are fine, until you are not. It is your choice whether that is an acceptable risk.

There are however, a number of people here and some evidence that marijuana does help with some symptoms of a dysfunctional pouch. But, I doubt it makes a good functioning pouch better.

Jan

Jimmy
Re Jan's comments..... Her advice is exactly what I have been telling my teenage kids for a long time. My biggest concern about illicit drugs is exactly what she stated. You never know what they are cut with and the strength of the drug you are experimenting with. I have heard way to many horror stories of people losing their lives or becoming gravely ill based upon what is mixed with drugs now days.

Another thing to consider is the number of people murdered by the cartels who ship these drugs. Any money you give to a dealer is indirectly supporting murdering violent crime families who make thousands of people's lives a misery, let alone the physical harm it can do to any individual user.

My surgeon told me to smoke weed. I didn't live in a MJJ state but had a secret stash sent to me from a guy in Cali. So I tried this amazing caramel lollipop and let me tell you. It messed me up. My guts were great and I had NO PAIN but my mental state was really off.

I would think cocaine wouldn't do anything different. All intestines, I am not street drug/doctor expert though. Cocaine talk is nothing to me, I am from Miami lol

Jimmy,
Thanks for asking the question instead of just going ahead and doing it...it shows that you are more mature than most. I agree with everything that the others say but I will just add that no matter what you do, and if you are asking, you will probably be doing it...please keep hydrated, drink tons of water, juice if you can and whatever you do, Do Not Mix Drugs. Or Drugs and Alcohol. BAD. VERY BAD. You can end up extremely dehydrated, vomitting, and in a bad situation.
Also, make sure that you have a safe person with you. Someone that you know well and that you trust who is not going to be doing drugs...so that if you do need them, they are there for you.
No matter what you decide to do, please be safe.
And merry Xmas
Sharon