Decision on getting J-pouch

Welcome to this forum!  My first surgery was in 1981 at Mayo Clinic in Rochester.  My surgeon did a straight connection with no pouch (I was one of their first patients with this procedure), but experienced major frequency problems.  In 1983, I returned to Mayo and had a j pouch constructed in a one-step operation.  While recovering from the operation in the hospital, I received a registered letter from my employer (I was a VP of Finance at a large hospital) saying that I was fired.  At the time, there were no laws to protect me (like ADA), so I was on my own.  Three weeks post-op, I returned home and immediately began a job search. At the time, I was going through a very ugly divorce and had little support locally.  I was able to take care of myself and did some financial consulting and painted houses to cover my living costs.  Since that was a time of high unemployment, it took me a year to get a good full-time job.

Now to address your questions:  There is really no way to tell in advance how your recovery will go.  Two months may be cutting it too short, but only you and your surgeon can make that decision as August 15 draws near.  Will you have a one or two step operation?  What does your surgeon say about starting school shortly after having major surgery?  Is there a compelling reason to start law school in August versus waiting until the next term?  I would suggest taking a light load if you start in August and also check into your school’s tuition refund policy in case you need to drop out for medical reasons.  You should get helpful input from others on this board and please feel free to send me a PM with any questions you have. Best of luck to you!

Bill

Well, I had my Stoma for many years before I had my J pouch created, so you have plenty of time to make your mind up or complete your studies first.

Body image was a huge factor for me and juding by your usernane, I assume you're female and therefore, I also assume, due to the type clothing young women like to wear, body image and appearance is far more of a concern. (sorry if my last statement offends)

I was intially diagnosed with UC but when my colon was removed, it was decided I may have Crohns and not a suitable for J pouch surgery.

Since my takedown, the J pouch is by far the best decision I've ever made but also one of the hardest

I love not seeing the colostomy bag hanging from my stomach, especialy when I catch a glimpse of myself in the mirror after a shower.

I guess I maybe one of the lucky ones, I only have 3 to 4 BM's per day, not every day, it varies, sometimes maybe 5 or 6 but more often than not, it's never less than 2 and rarely more than 5, no night time BM's or disturbed sleep either, never any urgency; can easily wait till the next rest stop or till the end of a movie or in your case, till a lecture ends.

I can go for a couple hours between bathroom visits, on occasions, can be as much as 4 or 5 hours

I also eat whenever and whatever I want, no special diet, even after diagnosis of UC, I've always been able to eat what I like.

Its certainly not been a walk in the park; after pouch creation and before takedown, I dehydrated many times which resulted with admission into hospital for IV fluids.

I had to remain in hospital for at least 5 - 8 days until test shown I was rehydrated.

Hi 

Im planning to go for pouch surgery in January as i had to have an ileostomy last year after i exhausted all the drugs available. I hope it works well as im in the construction industry and need to be at work