I'm looking for a support group in the mid-coast Maine area. I had a colectomy in 2011 and had my Takedown at Lahey Hospital in Burlington, MA in May of 2012.
Original Post
Replies sorted oldest to newest
Hello, Maine Girl. Near the time of my takedown, I asked my ostomy nurse at the hospital if she knew any support groups for j pouchers. She came up with a group that meet every three months at another hospital but I felt the meetings were too few and far between, I needed more support, so I found this site. Your local area might have a group that you'll have to do some research to find them. Maybe call your hospital's ostomy department and ask the (j pouch) nurse, or check with their staff dietician for possible contacts, or your surgeon / gastroenterologist / receptionist might know. Call the IBS organization in your area or nearby; they might know. Keep googling. Don't give up. You'll find a group or individual j pouchers eventually, or start a group if you feel you can. After the surgery, you can do anything.
You are so right! Ha! Thank you so much for all the advice and inspiring words!. You should be a life coach!
You're welcome! One other thought for anyone searching for support groups: Most major cities have a Crohns and Colitis Support group. Contact the one nearest you and ask if they have heard of j pouch groups. If you decide you can start your own group, meet at local library, etc., be careful initially sharing personal / health information with strangers.
HI,
I live in Boston and I'm seriously thinking of moving near to the Kennebunk area or even southern Maine.
I've love to chat with you about what Doctors you see up there and if they're good?
Thanks, Tyler