They do remove the pouch in many cases. It just depends on your specific case. For some, the difficult thing is finding a surgeon willing to do it. Some think you will regret removal. Others fear the complications of the perianal wound.

Sometimes they just want to do the easy ostomy, to give you time to restore your health before considering removal or pouch reconstruction.

Get some surgical consults and see what they say.

Jan

It can be hard to predict exactly how much relief you'll get by switching to an ileostomy, with or without pouch removal. Often multiple things are going on, and only some of them get corrected by pouch removal (or abandonment). Any problems associated with pooping on the toilet usually do go away.

Thanks Jan & Scot.

Yeah that's my fear. Going through surgery and still suffering, 

JMT. 

I do hope you come to a good conclusion.  14 years with the pouch is a long time and will certainly be a problem.  From what I have read so far the longer you have it the more scarring and adhesions occur.  

Mine was only in for a bit over two years and came right out.  As I have said in other posts.  I had immediate relief and success.  I did not expect it.  As you said I expected more suffering.  I was wrong.  Took awhile of course because it is another major surgery.  But it worked out.  I now have an end ileo.  And no more surgeries!  

Just wanted you to have a positive story.  And I have nothing negative to say about my experience with the removal of my pouch and an end ileo installed. 

It takes some getting used to.  But there is relief from all the misery.  I am not in love with it by no means.  But it sure has made my body and mind happy. 

I wish you the best. We all do.   It's a tough decision.  And yes there is alot of good advice and experience here on the board to help you with your decision.  People that have gone through it.  And are going through it now. 

Richard. 

Thanks Richard

That helps