Well mate, sorry to hear this.  I can't really answer how long a pouch should last, I guess it's a 'how long is a piece of string' question.  I've heard of some people with pouches over 30 years and going strong and in theory they shouldn't wear out as it's living tissue, it should just repair itself. I guess as it ages, shape changes, possibly materials used in the operation deteriate and the effects of straining, overstretching etc take the toll.. is a shame that you had a good one but factors outside of your control are causing problems

Maybe the second opinion will come up with ideas? Maybe they will offer you a redo?.   For what it's worth many people are quite happy with a bag, and final ileos are much easier to deal with, like you though, I think I'm much happier with the pouch.  

Fingers crossed they come up with an option for you!  Let us know how you get on

Thank you very much, Bobish cheers

I think it's a bit silly to blame the staples after 29 years. A J-pouch can last a lifetime. Nevertheless, life throws challenges at us, and most J-pouchers still have the same genetics and circumstances that led to ulcerative colitis. Lots of body parts can fail in 29 years, even original equipment. I do hope they work out a more thoughtful explanation than staples, and one that's treatable. Good luck!

As my surgeon says...as long as your intestines do barring any complications...mine is 38yrs old this summer.

Sharon 

My is 33 years old. I have taught PE and coached 3 Vardity sports for 17 years. Then 2 for 10 more and over 45 baseball teams from college to8 year olds. Have physicality done a lot. Have had over 30 surgeries and over 60 blockages. It's still in me and working. Lots of scar tissue. Need to irrigate to empty. Seeing a new gi next month. Over all I am ok but do not ever want a bag!!!!

My husband's is 24.

I'm not as old as some of these (yay!), but mine is at 13 years and doing very well! 

Over 30 years and still holding......no pun intended

Putri posted:

I have had mine for about 29 years, I was the first person in Australia and New Zealand to have one. ( J Pouch )

It is just playing up now in the last 4 months, a surgeon has told me that they now know stalpes were not a good thing to use because they may try to reject them. Great in bone but not in pouches.  He told me things will not improve, he sending me to someone else for a second opinion. 

The two surgeons that done the pioneer work 29 years ago came from the Mayo Clinic. I have been very happy upto now, I did not want a BAG ! 

I was in hospital yesterday, for a good look inside me, problem found, not the pouch as I was told ! but my kidneys are full of large stones, very full. This is the cause of the pain and problems. I booked in for surgery this Friday the 4th to have the operation. Three to six weeks of work, only started this new job last week, not a good start !

But it pays to get a second opinion, Thankyou everyone        

Glad to hear you have something treatable. Good luck!