Jemmy,
My Colorectal surgeon has always given me warnings every time he has taken me into surgery...warning me that he wouldn't be able to do the pouch (I have a k pouch), that he wouldn't be able to do it in 1, 2 or 3 steps...and then every time that he took me back in for a repair has warned me that I might not have enough intestine to fix it or that I might end up with an ileo if things go bad...they have no choice...they must be honest because the facts are the facts...They really do not know what they are going to find once they get in there and it may alter their ability to do what they promised to do.
It is not just a question of experience or skill but a question of adhesion but also the rest of your anatomy and biology...
I have been fortunate that he has always kept his promises but there may come a time that he won't be able to fix me...
I consider it honesty and not a disclaimer. The only surgeon who never warned me of a possible negative outcome turned out to really be incapable and unskilled.
Hope that this helps.
Sharon

Thank You!

Did you have a lot of complications or something? I'm trying to figure out why they had to go back in with you and if this is something I'm that happens often (something I would likely have to face?).


Jen

Jemmy,
I have a k pouch and not a j pouch (which is what they are giving you)...yours uses the natural biological exit (the anus), mine does not...in the k pouch they have to build a one-way continent valve out of your own intestines to prevent things from pouring out...and that valve can be delicate if not well treated or for a number of other reasons...my pouch (the original one that is 33yrs old) is doing just fine (knock wood!)...it is the valve that has had its share of problems and therefore requires some work...(plus I have D'Heler's-Danlos syndrom which means that my body does not heal very well and often requires redos)...also the k pouch is attached to the abdominal wall and I am hernia prone so you can see where that would cause problems..
For the rest, quite honestly, I would not worry too much...a good doctor/surgeon always warns you of the potential risks of surgery and the possible outcomes that are inherent with our procedures...talk to him/her if you are concerned or having doubts.
Hugs and good luck
Sharon
ps...Stress is very, very normal before these surgeries

I, too, would rather "know it all" than to be surprised after the fact. I guess we all feel different about that and some surgeons presume what we don't know won't hurt us! Hmmmmmm!