Permanent Ileostomy vs J-Pouch (T-Chart comparison)

You are to be congratulated for doing your research on surgical options and putting it in a chart.  This is how I approach a major decision, but I did not make as detailed chart like yours when recurrent high grade dysplasia in the anal cuff made J pouch removal necessary.  The surgeon at Mayo Clinic who I saw for a second opinion only recommended an ileostomy, which I strongly did not want.  I did further research on the K pouch and similar BCIR and decided to get the BCIR.  The surgery went very well and I now have a very good quality of life.  This was the best decision for me.  I was 68 when I had my surgery and a few in their 70’s have also had it with good results.

I am in the process of adding a third column to your chart to include information about the K pouch and BCIR and will post it here when it’s done.  Not only will it give you information to review and discuss at your consultation at CC, but it will also be available for others faced with this difficult decision. 

Bill

I had my ileostomy for many years, good quality of life. especially compared to my time with UC and no issues other than appliance failure which was frustrating at the time.

I'm male and, I guess such surgery can be compared to child birth, as I'll happily go through it all again, if the outcome is a j pouch or it keeps the j pouch I've already got.

Recovery from J pouch creation surgery was hard and for maybe 2 or 3 days, I was even thinking I'd made a huge mistake.

My Takedown was in 2015 and although I remained in Hospital for maybe 4 days, I probably could have left Hospital straight after surgery; when I did leave, I had a 4 hour train journy to take.

Before my J Pouch, I had the same reservations as yourself, I didnt have any family support.

I've had a full functioning J pouch since 2015 and wouldn't have it any other way.

In regard to lifting a weight above 25lbs, I wouldn't worry so much; I think pouch Surgeons can't differentiate between lifting a weight above 25lbs and an Olympic dead lift.

I've done weight lifting since being 17/18 years old and I've attempted to returned to exercise after flare ups, although my illness and level of fitness normally put a swift end to it.

If you dont know already, a dead lift; is lifting a very heavy barbell weight from the ground, to thigh height, then jerking the barbell weight up to the chest and over the head.

Lifting a weight in such a manner requires a lot of bearing down of the core muscle groups.

I've lifted a gearbox above my head whilst laying on my back, carried young children, moved furniture and also a German Shepard dog over fence and without issues.

Bill, great idea about adding the third column re: the BCIR. 

Strange, thanks also for your reply. Loved the story about the gearbox. I had a dead car battery recently and just did what I always would have done--pushed it next to my wife's car so I could jump start it. Of course, later I realized how stupid that was and could have gotten a hernia. And then next bag change, I swore my stoma seemed longer. Can't win.

Unless, you've suffered from abdomen hernias in the past , there's no reason to believe that bowel surgery will increase the risk.

Yeah, the Stoma does change shape and size but I don't think due to strenuous activity, my Stoma was initially very close to my abdomen, so much so I had to use convex Stoma appliances but over time, my Stoma kinda grew, it was at least a half inch longer than it was originally.

in regards to hernias, if your abdomen is cut open you are at higher risk to develop them either way you go. I had a small one pop up at the old ileostomy site a few months after closure and had it repaired months ago. I also do have very slight leakage from time to time. and was also told by the top jpouch GI Dr Shen at the Cleveland Clinic that jpouchers should never lift more than 25 lbs.

I am on my second jpouch by the way....

Pouchomarx posted:

in regards to hernias, if your abdomen is cut open you are at higher risk to develop them either way you go.

Also told by the top jpouch GI Dr Shen at the Cleveland Clinic that jpouchers should never lift more than 25 lbs.

Pouchomarx, I disagree, I don't believe abdomen/bowel surgery increases the risk of developing a hernia.

I've had open abdomen surgery twice and to date, no hernia and I've been more active than most.

My Consultant and Surgeons have never said I'm at a greater risk of develping a hernia nor have I been advised not to lift a weight above 25lb.

I'm pretty certain there's many a weight lifter on this forum that will tell you they lift more

Short and sweet. 

58 years old. Colon removed. Pouch and temp ileo.  Miserable experience.  Two more emergency surgeries right after and eight weeks in the hospital.  Temp removed after a week and a half.  And I was hooked to my pouch. 

Sent home. Pouch was 26 months of misery. No need to go into a long story. 

60 years old. Big decision. Had it removed and have a permanent ileo and haven't looked back.  

I'll be 61 Saturday.  

I don't see Dr's. I don't take meds. My rear is not on fire anymore.  

I'm done. I live with what I have. And I'm happy again. 

Good list. 

But no matter how much thought is put into it there is always a twist. Pun intended. 

Good luck.  Only you can make the design that's right for you.  Of course you can get our opinions.  

They are both high maintenence items. Lol. 

R. 

As long as you're asking ;-).....I had a jpouch. Uncertainly, anxiety and stress for most of the four years with it. I've had a permanent ostomy for two and a half years. I am a fitness instructor, strong core then, strong core now. I am getting ready to teach my early evening outdoor pool class. I have done more in the two and a half years with my ostomy than I did in the four years with the jpouch. Like Richard said, no meds and food is a pleasure again. I may roll my eyes at my bag changes now (only because I don't want to put off my morning coffee to do so) but it's nothing compared to the true anxiety I felt wondering how my jpouch was going to behave and when the constant antibiotics I was on were going to stop working. I wanted peace and steady calm and I've gotten it. My gut (no pun intended!) told me what would be best for me and yours will tell you.

Hello, Jfill21.

What a fantastic job you have done on your chart! It is detailed and clear, very easy to follow, especially if someone is looking for information, trying to decide how to proceed, or anxious about what to expect. 

The problem I had with my temporary stoma was it retracted and was sometimes flush to the level of my skin. This allowed stool to flow over and onto my stoma skin and burn me. It made my skin raw and excoriated (I learned this new word when my nurse said, "Oh, your skin is excoriated".)  This is a drawback if the stoma is permanent and the surgeon didn't fit it with a temporary rod to pull it slightly up and away from the surrounding skin. I didn't have a rod (no one knew stoma would retract) and I was sent to reversal surgery weeks ahead of schedule because of the pain and raw skin turning purple, red, and bleeding. Similar to butt burn. Also, when my bag would fill up I could feel it sitting heavy against my stomach and I feared it might burst or fall off, which caused deep anxiety, especially away from home or standing in a check-out line! I wasn't an expert, although if I had to have it permanently I would have become one for sure. Another drawback would be the feel of a full bag, or the wafer, on hot, humid days. And possibly skin allergies to the adhesive on the wafer. Unless you wear loose clothing all the time, a full bag can be seen as a slight lump. I wore leggings during winter to keep warm and the lump could definitely be seen. 

There is always the cost factor, if you don't have adequate insurance coverage, and that cost can go on for decades.

I think your chart is excellent. It will help so many people new to this type of surgery. Thank you!

Excellent feedback, really helpful to hear everyone's personal experiences. Strange, obviously your situation is ideal. I wonder if the 9 years with the ileostomy actually made it easier for your body to adapt to the pouch.

I had my surgeries starting in November 2015 and my takedown in August 2016.  I went through the 3 step process.  I had zero skin issues with both my ileostomies and have also adapted well.  I did have some leakage with the bag but only one incident at work.  

I will have my first pouchoscopy in the next month or so.  My next visit with my surgeon is the beginning of July.  Besides butt burn, and some leakage issues, things have gone well.  I guess I'm one of the lucky ones so far.  Btw, I had all three surgeries in my 60's.  I will be 63 this Fall.

I have attached JAYFILL21’s comparison chart to which I added a column for K Pouch and BCIR, which are similar procedures with the exception of a collar constructed of small section of intestine added to stabilize the valve.  The most common alternative to the end ileostomy is the J pouch, which is widely performed and has a high success rate.  I felt it appropriate to add the column for K Pouch and BCIR since these procedures also do not require an external bag.  Unfortunately, they are not well known by many surgeons and gastroenterologists who routinely recommend/offer only the end ileostomy.  Although few of these two options are performed as the primary surgery with a colectomy, they are usually performed for those with failed J pouches and problematic and undesired ileostomies.  The decision to select a surgical option is strictly a personal choice best made after doing your research and consulting with your surgeon.

BillV, always good to hear your BCIR input/perspective!

This list is a good guide for those considering their options. It's comprehensive and where one's anxieties lie can help them choose accordingly.

Excellent additional info, Bill!

Hi, Jfill21.  I just want to add that a toilet seat bidet, the kind you attach to the seat, costs only $100 or so, not $300-500. Right now Amazon is having a sale on Luxe Bidet Neo 120 for only $35, down from their regular $90. That's a great deal for anyone who's been thinking of getting one to attach to the toilet seat. There is a tutorial video next to the item on Amazon showing how to install easily. I got one last year and it saved my butt, literally!

Just watched the video and read some of the reviews. Pretty amazing for the price. Thanks for the tip, Winterberry! Will definitely take advantage of that deal.

strange posted:

Pouchomarx posted:

in regards to hernias, if your abdomen is cut open you are at higher risk to develop them either way you go.

Also told by the top jpouch GI Dr Shen at the Cleveland Clinic that jpouchers should never lift more than 25 lbs.

Pouchomarx, I disagree, I don't believe abdomen/bowel surgery increases the risk of developing a hernia.

I've had open abdomen surgery twice, once during 2005 and then again during 2014 and till date, no hernia and I participate in more strenuous activities than most.

My Consultant and Surgeons, at  world renown St Marks Hospital, London, have never said I'm at a greater risk of develping a hernia nor have I been advised not to lift a weight above 25lb.

I'm pretty certain there's many a weight lifter on this forum that will tell you they lift more 

you can disagree all you want, but when your abdominal wall and muscles are sliced open, you are indeed at a higher risk for developing a hernia.

I tend to agree. So. I am very careful.  Having a stoma. Which I consider a surgically created hernia. And can be herniated. Prolapsed. I tend to be mindful doing any lifting. 

R. 

I just generally try not to lift heavy items, just to be safe.  I see my surgeon soon so I may ask what his thoughts are on this.

I got a bidet from Coco Bidet.  I have used it for the past 10 mos. but find that now I don't use it anywhere as much as I did the first 6 months.  I would go for the attachment instead of the whole seat.  We also had to hire an electrician to help install ours, so it was even more costly.

There's also thousands of Mothers who've had a C Section previously who, whilst expecting their new baby, also lift and carry young children on a daily basis as well as lifting and carrying bags of shopping.

 Incisional hernia is a well-known long-term complication of abdominal surgery, with a reported incidence of 3.0–20.6% in association with midline incisions and 0–2.1% with lower transverse incisions

so lower transverse incisions(caesarian), were obviously lower chance of hernia, but still does increase risk

strange posted:

Pouchomarx posted:

 Incisional hernia is a well-known long-term complication of abdominal surgery, with a reported incidence of 3.0–20.6% in association with midline incisions and 0–2.1% with lower transverse incisions

so lower transverse incisions(caesarian), were obviously lower chance of hernia, but still does increase risk

Yeah, you would say that.

 However, 12 years since my first abdomen surgery, based on my own experience of a few years of Muay Thai training, once I'd recovered and then nearly 8 years intensive self defence training as well as cycling, swimming, weightlifting, core muscle workouts, kicks throws, blocks, being kicked and thrown, lifting a gearbox over my head whilst laying on my back under a car, I'm more active than most and still no hernia.

So Pouchomarx, you can continue to spread doom and gloom and restrict your life through fear of developing a hernia and I'll continue to inspire and encourage people and live my life to the full, 

 

SERIOUSLY? I am not saying everyone will develop a hernia, but there are increased odds with these surgeries. I have been through a multiple number of surgeries and on my second j-pouch so I actually do know a little about what I am talking about. So am speaking from experience, thank you. Have a great day ..lol

Before this turns into a debate (as if it has not already become), let's get this hernia thing settled.

1. It is a fact that ANY abdominal surgery increases your risk of hernia, simply because incisional hernia is a known risk of abdominal surgery. Multiple procedures increases that risk further.

2. Having an increased risk does not mean you are likely to develop that complication. This just means risk as compared to the general population. It is sort of like having UC increases your risk of colon cancer. It does not mean you will get cancer.

3. Not developing a hernia is not proof of the absence of the risk. It is just anecdotal to that one person. It is like saying you have smoked for 20 years and never got lung cancer (yet) is proof that there is no risk associated with smoking. I had an incisional hernia and did not engage in anything strenuous other than ordinary life. Once repaired I continued with my active life.

4. Dr. Shen's lifting advice for j-pouchers is specific to him. It is not a universal, or even widely advised concept. Still, he is an expert in the field of j-pouches, so he acts with an abundance of caution. Not doom and gloom, just the fact that wierd stuff has happened.

Jfill21, you are doing a great job with your research and I am sure it will lead you to the choice that is best for you. I've never regretted my j-pouch, but I never have had an ileostomy to compare with!

Jan

Doing the research is a great idea, too many of us just go by impulse and emotion to make this decision. Having said that, the problem is of course we can't know the outcome in advance and outcomes for this/these surgeries are very individual and vary tremendously. While statistics matter they are not determinative. I had a J pouch with many issues (including an incisional hernia) and now have an end ileostomy with almost no problems. That certainly doesn't mean a J pouch could not be a good choice, just my experience

 Comments on a couple of things on your list: I would note that I have never paid a cent for any of my ostomy supplies. I do have OK insurance, not Cadilac but decent. I am going onto Medicare soon and from what I have been told there will be no change. The other topic as far as activities go such as swimming, working out at gym, driving and so forth. I do not in anyway feel restricted.  Well maybe going to a nude beach might be a vanity issue. I am very active and still work in construction part time, travel a lot, the ileo is really not an issue at all, I have never used a stoma protector, wrap and so forth so I would say that part of your list is over blown. It is a minor issue. 

The key is to get a well formed stoma whose opening  extends above the skin line 3/4 of an inch or a bit more. This makes everything easy. Don't get me wrong it isn't perfect and I don't minimize the "visual " issues particularly for people that are dating or want to do so. 

Why would you even consider NOT trying a j-pouch because it MIGHT have complications.  I check this board maybe once a year and post a few times and then forget about it because I forget that I have a j-pouch.  That's how it is for most people.  The people who hang out on this board (for the most part) are the people who have had ongoing problems.  Because when you are living a normal life you don't spend your time on medical boards...that's just normal human nature.  When I had my colon out and was debating getting a j-pouch I was sick as a dog and spent a lot of time on here.  The people gave me hope and support but on the negative side reading all the problems people were having also almost scared me out of getting a j-pouch.  The temporary ileo/bag I had was a nightmare for me and the j-pouch has been a Godsend.  You better believe if my j-pouch ever fails I'll be back on here all the time for support...but till then like most people without problems...I'll either won't be on here or check in infrequently.  There are some people without problems who are on here all the time only to help others..but those are the rare truly selfless people who most of us aren't.  My surgeon told me that he never hears from the majority of his j-pouch patients again because they don't have problems.  He hears a lot from the minority that do have problems.  The best case scenario for a j-pouch is TOTAL NORMALCY - I have ZERO restrictions on my diet, ZERO restrictions on my activities.  The best case scenario for a bag is living with your intestines hanging outside your body, having to protect it constantly and change bags.  Why not go for the route with the best POSSIBLE outcome?  Yes you might have complications or have it fail but why let fear prevent you from going for the chance at a completely normal life?  This is all just one man's opinion based on my personal experiences.  I wish you the best no matter what you decide.

I agree with pretty much most of what Daleer says.  My own experience is that I never considered anything but the j-pouch and for me it has worked great so far.  I am glad I had the experience of having an ileostomy and at least know what I would be up against if things go wrong with my pouch.  I am of course new to this, so I probably come on often just to get ideas about diet etc.  But I don't really have any issues at all.  It is a big decision to make.  When I made mine, I never looked back.  There are pros and cons to everything.  Good Luck!

Man do I appreciate all these responses. I have my surgeon consultation at CC in two days--driving up tomorrow. I'm definitely leaning towards a j-pouch. Daleer--love your stark contrasts between the two options. It really does come down to that--maybe not everyone will relate or agree but you made me smile. And CTB23, we're about the same age and I love your attitude. Thanks to all. I'll post my experience at CC when I get back.

Daleer posted:

Why would you even consider NOT trying a j-pouch because it MIGHT have complications.  I check this board maybe once a year and post a few times and then forget about it because I forget that I have a j-pouch.  That's how it is for most people.  The people who hang out on this board (for the most part) are the people who have had ongoing problems.  Because when you are living a normal life you don't spend your time on medical boards...that's just normal human nature.  When I had my colon out and was debating getting a j-pouch I was sick as a dog and spent a lot of time on here.  The people gave me hope and support but on the negative side reading all the problems people were having also almost scared me out of getting a j-pouch.  The temporary ileo/bag I had was a nightmare for me and the j-pouch has been a Godsend.  You better believe if my j-pouch ever fails I'll be back on here all the time for support...but till then like most people without problems...I'll either won't be on here or check in infrequently.  There are some people without problems who are on here all the time only to help others..but those are the rare truly selfless people who most of us aren't.  My surgeon told me that he never hears from the majority of his j-pouch patients again because they don't have problems.  He hears a lot from the minority that do have problems.  The best case scenario for a j-pouch is TOTAL NORMALCY - I have ZERO restrictions on my diet, ZERO restrictions on my activities.  The best case scenario for a bag is living with your intestines hanging outside your body, having to protect it constantly and change bags.  Why not go for the route with the best POSSIBLE outcome?  Yes you might have complications or have it fail but why let fear prevent you from going for the chance at a completely normal life?  This is all just one man's opinion based on my personal experiences.  I wish you the best no matter what you decide.

 

 

It is natural to encourage people to go for the best case scenario....BUT also important to take into consideration how ok someone is with his current situation and how much potential surgery he's willing to go through. It's not so simple to remove a jpouch. Not to complicate things, but important to consider...

I'm so grateful that I got my best case scenario with my ostomy and that I don't view it as intestines hanging outside my body that I have to protect constantly. I suspect that description is directly related to your negative experience with yours and that would make sense. Our experiences directly affect our perspectives.

Lambiepie posted:

Daleer posted:

Why would you even consider NOT trying a j-pouch because it MIGHT have complications.  I check this board maybe once a year and post a few times and then forget about it because I forget that I have a j-pouch.  That's how it is for most people.  The people who hang out on this board (for the most part) are the people who have had ongoing problems.  Because when you are living a normal life you don't spend your time on medical boards...that's just normal human nature.  When I had my colon out and was debating getting a j-pouch I was sick as a dog and spent a lot of time on here.  The people gave me hope and support but on the negative side reading all the problems people were having also almost scared me out of getting a j-pouch.  The temporary ileo/bag I had was a nightmare for me and the j-pouch has been a Godsend.  You better believe if my j-pouch ever fails I'll be back on here all the time for support...but till then like most people without problems...I'll either won't be on here or check in infrequently.  There are some people without problems who are on here all the time only to help others..but those are the rare truly selfless people who most of us aren't.  My surgeon told me that he never hears from the majority of his j-pouch patients again because they don't have problems.  He hears a lot from the minority that do have problems.  The best case scenario for a j-pouch is TOTAL NORMALCY - I have ZERO restrictions on my diet, ZERO restrictions on my activities.  The best case scenario for a bag is living with your intestines hanging outside your body, having to protect it constantly and change bags.  Why not go for the route with the best POSSIBLE outcome?  Yes you might have complications or have it fail but why let fear prevent you from going for the chance at a completely normal life?  This is all just one man's opinion based on my personal experiences.  I wish you the best no matter what you decide.

 

 

It is natural to encourage people to go for the best case scenario....BUT also important to take into consideration how ok someone is with his current situation and how much potential surgery he's willing to go through. It's not so simple to remove a jpouch. Not to complicate things, but important to consider...

I'm so grateful that I got my best case scenario with my ostomy and that I don't view it as intestines hanging outside my body that I have to protect constantly. I suspect that description is directly related to your negative experience with yours and that would make sense. Our experiences directly affect our perspectives.

Well said Daleer, my sentiments exactly and after all, this is a J pouch forum.

strange posted:

Lambiepie posted:

Daleer posted:

Why would you even consider NOT trying a j-pouch because it MIGHT have complications.  I check this board maybe once a year and post a few times and then forget about it because I forget that I have a j-pouch.  That's how it is for most people.  The people who hang out on this board (for the most part) are the people who have had ongoing problems.  Because when you are living a normal life you don't spend your time on medical boards...that's just normal human nature.  When I had my colon out and was debating getting a j-pouch I was sick as a dog and spent a lot of time on here.  The people gave me hope and support but on the negative side reading all the problems people were having also almost scared me out of getting a j-pouch.  The temporary ileo/bag I had was a nightmare for me and the j-pouch has been a Godsend.  You better believe if my j-pouch ever fails I'll be back on here all the time for support...but till then like most people without problems...I'll either won't be on here or check in infrequently.  There are some people without problems who are on here all the time only to help others..but those are the rare truly selfless people who most of us aren't.  My surgeon told me that he never hears from the majority of his j-pouch patients again because they don't have problems.  He hears a lot from the minority that do have problems.  The best case scenario for a j-pouch is TOTAL NORMALCY - I have ZERO restrictions on my diet, ZERO restrictions on my activities.  The best case scenario for a bag is living with your intestines hanging outside your body, having to protect it constantly and change bags.  Why not go for the route with the best POSSIBLE outcome?  Yes you might have complications or have it fail but why let fear prevent you from going for the chance at a completely normal life?  This is all just one man's opinion based on my personal experiences.  I wish you the best no matter what you decide.

 

 

It is natural to encourage people to go for the best case scenario....BUT also important to take into consideration how ok someone is with his current situation and how much potential surgery he's willing to go through. It's not so simple to remove a jpouch. Not to complicate things, but important to consider...

I'm so grateful that I got my best case scenario with my ostomy and that I don't view it as intestines hanging outside my body that I have to protect constantly. I suspect that description is directly related to your negative experience with yours and that would make sense. Our experiences directly affect our perspectives.

Well said Daleer, my sentiments exactly and after all, this is a J pouch forum.

Strange, it may not be your intention, but your words and their underlying attitude are alienating. I come on here to give my support to those who are considering removing their pouches and asking for help. Yes, that's the OSTOMY contribution to this "jpouch" forum. I give my point because it just might present new information to someone in the throes of making this difficult decision. This is not an "us and them" thing; we can help each other.

I'm healthy and happy. 

I have an end ileo. 

I come in here everyday. 

I came here with problems.  Didn't work out. But I hang around still. Good people.  Medical board. Ha. Never thought if it that way. I guess Facebook is a mental board. 

Lol. 

Lambiepie posted:

Strange, it may not be your intention, but your words and their underlying attitude are alienating. I come on here to give my support to those who are considering removing their pouches and asking for help. Yes, that's the OSTOMY contribution to this "jpouch" forum. I give my point because it just might present new information to someone in the throes of making this difficult decision. This is not an "us and them" thing; we can help each other.

I don't think I'm allienting anyone, any underlying attitude is being creating within your own mind, as only the reader can decide the tone of which to use when reading.

Taking the moral high ground and implying I don't realise what I'm writing, well, that's alienating.

I'm entitled to my opinion as much as anyone else and the points raised within Daleer post I happen to agree with, is that so wrong.

This is, after all, a J pouch forum and I found this forum because I was considering J pouch surgery and the information gleaned was most helpful.

Just as Daleer explained, this is more of forum for those suffering from complications, when in fact, J pouch surgery is actually very successful, yet the forum members who have suffered such complications peddle worry and fear based on their own experiences and appear to dwell on the possible complications.

It's like being 19 and getting a tattoo, there's always someone who'll say, "when your old and wrinkly, you'll regret that ! "  but when you're 19, who cares what the tattoo will looks like when your old.

Such an adage can also apply to J pouch Surgery, regardless of the difficult and complex procedure required to remove a failed pouch; why focus on the negatives, if we all focused on the negatives, J pouch surgery and this forum probably wouldn't exist.

p.s

I don't have any tattoos, nor am I 19.

Just my 2 cents- I am on my 3rd (& final, possible) total j-pouch reconstruction (due to only having 18" left of small bowell). I have had 3 life flights to Mayo Clinic, MN along with many emergency ground trips there (a 12-Hr drive.) I have had 15 major abdominal surgeries since my 1st, which was a total colectomy with J-pouch creation & loop ileostomy. &....I WOULD ABSOLUTELY DO IT ALL OVER AGAIN, IN A HEARTBEAT- just to have the good times my pouch has allowed me to have, in between the tuff stuff & emergencies!!! 1000%! Everyone's different, but, for ME- having an ostomy bag 3xs, for abt 1 yr each time, was PURE HELL & I absolutely hated it! Most days I stood in the shower with no bag on & just cried for hours! It changed me, mentally, & the ONLY way I got thru it was KNOWING IT WASNT PERMANENT!! So, for some of us, the possible risks & problems with a j-pouch do outweigh having a permanent ostomy. For me, even having WAY more issues than a typical J-poucher, I wouldn't change the decision to keep fighting for it. That being said, I also know many people who had j-pouch problems, & they opted for a permanent ostomy & they are SO happy with their choice & totally loving life! & That's AWESOME! & I am totally STOKED for them! My point is: Only YOU can decide what's best for you. & this forum IS mainly for people having issues with their j-pouch. So, please don't discount ALL the MANY happy, healthy j-pouchers that just don't need this group because they are too busy living life & having fun! There are TONS of em out there!  

Alx, well said. Having complications and urging awareness of them is not focusing on them. You can't sugar coat things, otherwise people feel lied to. Bad things can and do happen sometimes.

For the most part, satisfaction for the j-pouch is quite high. Sure, most people have a rough couple of weeks or months, then are off to the races and never look back. But, having complications does not mean we are discouraging against the j-pouch. Like you, I'd do it all over again, warts and all!

Jan

Made my decision. Met with Dr. Hull at CC on Thursday. After reviewing my records and an exam, she said I am a good candidate for a j-pouch, even at 62. She did emphasize that people over 55 tend to have more bm's than a younger person. I'm scheduled for Step 2 surgery in August. Onward!

I turned 62 two months after my takedown and have been very lucky with 3-5 bm's a day, nothing at night!  Good luck with everything!

Jfill21 posted:

Made my decision. Met with Dr. Hull at CC on Thursday. After reviewing my records and an exam, she said I am a good candidate for a j-pouch, even at 62. She did emphasize that people over 55 tend to have more bm's than a younger person. I'm scheduled for Step 2 surgery in August. Onward!

Congratulations on your conclusion; we've all been there and we know how difficult such a decision can be...... all the best.