What should I do! Specific j pouch Qs

For what it's worth.....I sincerely hesitated following through with the takedown because for a year I had a really good life with my temp. ileostomy.  My son said, "How will you know what it is like if you don't try having a functioning J-pouch?  You can always go back to an ileostomy if you are not satisfied."  Well, that was in 2002.  I had the takedown and I've never looked back!  Best wishes in making the best decision for you.

I'm not 6'6", but I've eaten >3000 calories a day without problem (except for the huge weight gain!). Your ability to absorb nutrients is in your small bowel, not your colon. The early months are rough, but it gets better with time. Same thing with an ileostomy. Takes time for the body to adapt to the lack of a colon.

Yeah, your height may be a problem, but maybe not. The surgeon won't know until he's in there. It is not all that common, but a higher risk if you have a long trunk (leg length does not matter) and are a male (because of the deep, narrow pelvis). These two things can be a problem if you have a short mesenteric blood supply. They do have surgical techniques to lengthen the mesentery, but it does not work in every case.

There are a number of members here who participate in active pursuits: marathons, backpacking, scuba diving, martial arts, football, ice hockey, you name it.

Jan

Hi Graham,

Welcome to the board!

Yes, you are rather unusual but not exceptionel.

Your calorie intake is not a problem...you just sort of have to decide how you want to intake those calories (I did it regularly using animal proteins, nut butters, dried fruits and chocolate, like Jan, my problem is of the 'not eating them' kind)...I don't like carbs that much so my diet is essentially low residue and high calorie and my pouch is very happy that way (that is me and not necessarily everyone else)...

In the begining you may have a problem going 4 hrs without a break, especially if you are in a uniform that does not allow for easy exits...you may need to use something to slow your system down and bulk your output up in order to find your balance...we all mostly end up doing it (this board is not a great example of perfect results...most of us come here because we have problems and then stay to help others)...the other detail is that you would need to replace your fluids regularly if you are doing an endurance sport...Dehydration is a big problem for us pouchers in the begining....we lose fluids easily so you need to be vigilant.

I agree with CeeCee, if you do not try it, you will never know.

Sharon

I run half marathons regularly, I think 15 in the past 6 years. I just ran my second full marathon in 4:50:00. I stopped twice for pit stops, short and efficiently in and out in probably a minute and a half. I have managed to run several of my halfs without stopping at all. I usually run my halfs in about 2:15. Hydration is a serious issue that one has to be highly aware of when participating in endurance sports. There is a guy who was recently featured in Runners World, who won his age bracket I think 50-54 who has a perm ileostomy. his name is Spyros something I would imagine an interwebs search would lead you to more info about him.