Thinking about a J-Pouch

I had my J-pouch surgery after being turned away by several colorectal surgeons, so I have some experience with that path. Do you know if the surgeon you consulted does many J-pouches?

We’re about the same age and I have noticed that I heal more slowly than I used to. Everyone is different, so it might be useful to consider whether you heal reasonably quickly.

Do you know what was left behind after your 2010 surgery? That could affect your surgical options. Was a J-pouch considered at that time?

Thank you for your reply.  I do know the details of my surgery.  I have 10-12 cm of rectal stump left behind for the very reason that a J-Pouch might be considered. So technically it is a possibility.  Also, the surgeon I consulted does 2-3 per year.  She said that most surgeons aren't seeing as many because the biologics are working so well that the need for Total Colectomy surgery is much lower than it used to be.  At least, that's what she told me.  Further, I have a son in law who is now 37 yo, he had UC and total colectomy when he was 25 yo.  He went on to have J-pouch sx and did very well.  He encourages me to check with other doctors and see if I get a different viewpoint. 

Please.

Also do some reading in here on good and bad points of a pouch.

I had a team of surgeons.  One who did my pouch. And was advised. Which she didn't need. By three other colorectal surgeons who also performed pouch surgeries.

I was told from the get go seeing where my uc was located in my colon the pouch may not work. And it didn't.  But I tried. I'm older than you but had the surgery at 58.

By 60 I had an end ileo because although my pouch was healthy we could never figure out why it wasn't working correctly. And for two plus years it was actually worse than the uc I had before.

Anyway.

Yes. Get more opinions.

If they say no. Ask why.

You did get an explanation from the first. You should get explanations if more no's are answers to getting a pouch.

My answer may not help much and you can disregard it. No biggie.

I wish I would have went straight to the end ileo because I'm good with it.

I have everything in place to get another pouch. But I ain't even considering it. My end is too easy.

Richard.

Richard, Thank u for your insights and sharing your experience with trying a j-pouch.  I am going to speak to more surgeons who may have more experience than this surgeon with j-pouch sxs.  My son in law spoke with 3 before he found one who he had confidence in.  And, he is doing great.  Thx again.

Only speaking for myself but I'm totally happy with my pouch. I'm in my late 40's but I lift weights every day, jog, coach a high school wrestling team.

I have no issues at all.

I personally think there are more successful J pouch stories than unsuccessful ones.

Keep trying and good luck.

Richard.

I hesitate to give opinion.  But I guess I will.  I have had nothing but problems.  I’d give anything to go back to a bag.  Cuffitis and pouchitis.  I’m doing pelvic floor therapy now.  New Colorectal surgeon doesn’t think it will help.  My main issue is my anal canal.  I never thought that little area could give out so much pain.  So now I am going to try Botox.  I just want my life back.  I never would want to tell you not to do it.  But there are so many other problems that can occur also.  My surgeon was shocked my previous surgeon even did it on me when I was 44 yrs old.  They don’t recommend it.  Our bodies slow down etc as we age.  I’d give anything to have my life back and would love the bag.  Sadly my jpouch is top notch it’s just the anal/rectal canal that is killing me.  Please take my message and truly look into everything.  Sometimes change isn’t better.  I had no choice I had pre- cancer thru my whole colon.  Also, if only we could find a doctor who has a jpouch. Boy would they understand.  I wish you the best.  Thank you for letting me share my nightmare.  

If I were a candidate for a J-pouch, I personally would try the J-pouch that way I can exhaust all options and say I tried everything I could. I say follow your heart and always trust it. Best of luck!

Thx for your thoughts!!

@JPouchWannabe posted:

Thx for your thoughts!!

Your welcome/ Let us know us know how everything goes

Hi,

I had a jpouch for 20 years. I had to take cipro everyday for chronic pouchitis. A few months ago I started getting severe rectal and anal inflammation that led to abscesses and fistulas. I had my jpouch disconnected last month and now have a loop Ileostomy while my perianal area heals. My surgeon might reconnect my jpouch again at some point.  Not sure if I want to risk going back to it again. It’s not fun wearing a bag but I’m pain free and feeling much healthier.