Does anyone have anything positive to say? It seems like this pouch is just going to be one problem after another with fistulas, pouch issues among others.....I think my biggest thing, even though you are still going to the washroom a tone, can you hold it or are you constantly looking for the washroom like pre surgery
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So today I was out from 10:30 to 4:00 and managed okay. Was able to hold it without too much discomfort and we were walking, catching subways most of the time in D. C. I am a little over 5 months from takedown. About 3-4 bm's per day. But I am doing better than what is typically expected.
I had my pouch done in 1985 and have had a really great run. I have had a few issues with pouchitis over the years but overall have been very pleased with my choice years ago. Depending on what I put in will depend on how quickly I need to locate a washroom. I do go to sporting events and concerts on a regular basis and will plan my meal and or cocktails at the later part of the game/concert to give me time to get home. If I eat and drink at the front end of the game, i know it may put me in a position to use the good old stadium washroom. Again I am over thirty years with the pouch and have really lived a pretty normal life with a few minor adjustments at times.
When I eat good I am 3-5 times a day.
When I am eating bad and having cocktails it can go up to 6-8 times a day.
Hope it helps .... Todd
I wouldn't worry too much about it before really having to deal with problems. It's not said that you will have problems, it can also be that you'll live a very good life. In here you obviously see only the people having problems, the ones that are happy won't be here (or only in a way smaller number 
)
The alternative you have is to have a stoma, no? For me that alone was enough to make the decision for a pouch.
You obviously have to go more often to the bathroom. When you get used to it you actually have very few problems. Of course you can't just pee against a tree and be 'free' again like others but when planning with that you normally don't run in big problems. I have to go about 7 times a day but can't hold it for quite a while. I go to the bathroom when there is one available and normally don't run into problems. I have also been camping (obviously with camping sites with bathrooms etc) and been doing some city trips without an issue.
Of course, it's not all sweet. Public restrooms tend to be not that clean, sometimes you just don't have a restroom there and really have to make a detour etc. But in general it's all doable.
Whether you will have problems with fistulas, incontinence etc nobody will be able to tell you.
Best of luck!
The substantial majority of J-pouchers have few problems and are pleased with their results. The others (or at least many of them) come here for support. This is a great place to find out what can go wrong, and a terrible place to find out how common those outcomes are.
I agree with the Scott. It has been said before that most of the people that are doing really well aren't online. J pouch surgery can often be a real positive thing.
Even with my problems with pouchitis I wouldn't trade my pouch. And I am still in the adjustment stage!
Thanks folks. Ya I want to continue to play hockey goalie so a pouch is definitely on my mind. First surgery done but I was hesitant to accept a Feb pouch.
