Having an ileostomy forever
October 19, 2008It’s possible that my j-pouch will fail someday. It’s possible that medicine fails someday. And it’s possible that I could have an ileostomy for the rest of my life. And what would that look like? This video (8:11) is how I feel about the notion.
Keep fighting,
~Dennis
Question: How would you feel about having an ileostomy forever? If you have a permanent ileostomy already, how do you feel about that?
Well said! I dearly love my 10 year old j-pouch, but if I had to choose between having an ileostomy or the UC back again — I’d choose the ileostomy. It really ISN’T a big deal. When I had my temporary ileostomy between the 2 surgeries, I went out for Mexican food and sat through an entire movie (!!) for the first time in years. All the best to you Dennis, thanks for doing this!
I agree. Would I rather not have it? Yes. Would I trade it for being sick? No way. Since I have had my ileostomy, I have swam in pools and oceans, water and snow skied (with a protective belt), hiked, camped, taken many trips by car and plane, worked fulltime, exercised, rode on any ride at Disney World, and most importantly…. had two wonderful baby boys who are 7 and 4. I did have c-sections since my j-pouch is still in but not hooked up. The bottom line, yes it changes your life. Yes, sometimes it is harder than you wish if were. And yes it has given me a much better quality of life than I would have had otherwise.
thank you I learned a lot from you today. I have had mine for 7 weeks so have a while to go. Thanks again
really not a big deal. i have one and it’s not THAT bad.
Ive had an ileo for over 2 years now, its permanent, i chose that over the jpouch.
First i wanna say its great that you have done this to help other people see what life is like post surgery.
But i also wanna say that having an ileo doesnt make anything harder and there is nothing physically you can do with one that you can do without.
I agree! I have had an ileostomy with bag for 7 months, and it feels like I have my life back!
I suffered with UC for 8 years, and if I had known it was going to be like this, I would have had surgery about 5 years ago or so. (laughing!)
I am a very happy camper now!