Hey BK,

I am a lot older, so the only thing I will be getting back to is golf. My surgeon told me I am fully healed with no restrictions other than self-imposed.

i have recently started going to the driving range just to hit a few and see how I feel.

basically, other than soreness at the take down site, I was ok. My stoma was right in my core area and now has a big scar.

good luck with your other activities, I hope they work out for you.

I play golf as well has hike as often as possible. Since golf is so core engaging I did wait a little longer than probably needed to before getting back into it but I have had no problems.

Listen to you body and be sensitive to what it is telling you. The good thing about a pouch is it will usually tell you when it needs to be emptied and you have some wiggle room to make it to the clubhouse on the turn... or (if you're hiking) a nice private fallen tree off the beaten path haha!

I was in my mid 40s when I had my surgery. A few years later my daughter asked me to study Ju-Jitsu with her and the two of us spent years working toward our black belts, ultimately becoming sensei (teachers). Around the same time I took up scuba diving as something I could do with a friend who struggled with walking due to a spinal cord injury. I now dive weekly as an Aquarium volunteer. A healthy J-pouch is not an impediment to an active life, though I do take Lomotil before getting onto a dive boat. Heavy lifting in particular may carry a less favorable risk profile than before surgery, so you might want to be mindful of that, and either consider different activities or consult with your surgeon.

Hi, I had my takedown last June 10th and was golfing at the end of July. My biggest concern was what would happen if I had the urge for a bowel movement. I found out that I could hold it long enough to make it to the bathroom. Also, I do a lot of walking, Trx, and calisthenics, and planks. I plan to resume spin classes in the near future. I have had my challenges with blockages and some days have more bowel movements than I care to have,but I refuse to let it control my life. I am a lot older than you, but the point I am trying to make is that you have a lot to look forward to. You can live a full life with your jpouch. Good luck.

Thank you all for taking the time to reply! It's always appreciated to hear the experiences of others.

Yes I encourage you to resume your sport! I am an adult figure skater and after the battle with cancer resulted in my j pouch, I got back on the ice about 6 months post op. It was hard being weak from chemo etc, but my coach and skating family really supported me through the journey. I skate every week , compete, perform, and work full time. It’s not easy but if you have a sport and a passion  I think it’s imperative for your body, mind and spirit to continue 💯💕👏🏽
You can do it- good luck 🍀

When I had my J pouch, I went skiing in the Rockies, competed in horse competitions, traveled widely in  the US and internationally, and added a second story to my home.  Let your body and your doctor determine what you can do to enjoy life.

Am with Bill and his open-minded philosophy.  Lived in Asia for 5 years and ate street food almost every day ... lucky enough to play golf all over Scotland, HK, Indonesia and a few other places ... rock climbed in Utah, Thailand, etc. ... after 35 years with a pouch and knowing the rhythm of the ups and downs ... think tactically but play the long game ... live your life, not your pouch's.