Hey all, I thought I would check in and say, "Hi." I have been infrequent to non-existent on this site within the last year and don't really know why. I think I have posted responses a few times, but not often. To those who care:
- I am in year 13 with my j-pouch and no complaints to speak of. Those who have known me for these 13 years know that was not always the case, and that I tried new things often until a) I found some things that really help me (Prilosec - 1x / day and Metamucil Wafers), and b) my body healed, adjusted to things, and settled down
- My j-poucher daughter is 14 1/2 years old now and is in the 8th year with her j-pouch. She has gotten better over time and really manages her own health without complaints. She had acute, chronic pouchitis the first couple years with her pouch but things really settled down for her and the last couple years her blood counts, inflammatory markers, and absorption have all looked really good. She takes Vitamin D and Zinc still, and may have to do that the rest of her life. She has also started eating Metamucil Wafers as she has gotten older and more self-conscious. She has gone to the same small school since Kindergarten, but we still have to talk with teachers each year about giving her latitude to use the restroom more frequently than others. Besides that, no complaints
- Camp Oasis has been a wonderful thing for my daughter - she has gone the last two years. She doesn't want to miss it at this point. Kids from all walks of life, without their usual cliques and with IBD make it a fun, safe, friendship-building experience for her. I highly recommend it for any of your IBD kids
Other than that, not much to speak about. I will try to check in more frequently. Take care, fellow pouchers!
Steve
Otherwise the pouch is just background noise in my life right now. I really can't complain.
