J-pouch: One year update
December 21, 2009The video everybody’s been waiting for: the one year update! In this video I cover how my J-pouch basically functions after one year, such as frequency, pain, diet, control, and more. If you have any further questions that I didn’t cover in this video, please ask me! You know I’m very open and tell people pretty much anything.
Keep in mind, this is how my J-pouch is functioning after one year. Some people might reach these goals sooner than I did, some might take longer, and unfortunately some people may never have a J-pouch that functions as well as I seem to think mine does. This video, however, will give you one benchmark by which to compare yourself.
Keep fighting,
~Dennis
Question: What else do you want to know? And how was your J-pouch working after one year? Reply to this post and continue the discussion!
Dennis-
I just wanted to thank you for putting this amazing website together. I was diagnosed with UC Mar ’09 (at age 27) after the birth of my first child. Symptoms started the year prior but because of the pregnancy I had to wait for a colonoscopy after the delivery. I had my first and mother-of-all flare ups this May. After a 2 week stay in the hospital trying lots of heavy meds, and another week at home not improving, I was readmitted to the hospital and had a colectomy Jun 8th. I had my next and final surgery, (j-pouch made/take down) Aug 3rd. I stumbled across your vlog shortly after my first operation and I can’t begin to tell you how relieved I was to find so many others dealing with what I was going through. Emotionally I was a mess and I struggling with the drastic changes, having the ostomy, and not being able to do alot with my son. But I found out so much info from your videos that prepared me for next few steps and gave me hope that I could get better. The final surgery went well and now almost 5 months later I’m feeling so great and thankful for how things went for me. This Christmas was the best year ever, being well and knowing how lucky I am to still be here watching my son open his first presents. I’m rambling now, but just know that you helped me alot during the toughest year of my life. Before this year I’d never heard of UC…now it seems like every other person I meet has UC or Crohns or a relative with it. I share your website with them and let them know how much support I got from you…even if you didn’t know you were giving it to me specifically. I’m glad to hear you’re doing so well 1 year after your surgery. It’s great to hear you say all the things I’m thinking/experiencing. Thank you for your voice and Merry Christmas!
Rachel
Hi Dennis,
I was just reviewing some posts on another j pouch website, and found a topic being discussed about two years ago. They were discussing a food called Salba, in which slows down transit time in the a person’s digestion, absorbs water and reduces butt burn. I was wondering if you or anyone had heard of this product?
Here is the link to the six page discussion on the j pouch website: http:
//j pouch.org/eve/forums/a/tpc/f/9151071921/m/7021068802/p/1
And here is the link to the Salba website: http://salba.info/index.html
I will check back to this page to see if you or anyone has heard of this product!
Thanks!
Kristin.
Hi Kristin,
No, I have never heard of this product before. It seems I’m learning something about managing IBD every day! I’m leery myself of trying anything like this, because I don’t know how much I trust some food I’ve never heard of before. But certainly if somebody has experience with this let us know!
Dennis
Hi Dennis,
Just to say, what you and Nadia have done with this website and your Vlogs is an admirable and significant feat, and such a great resource for people with UC – one of the best resources out there, for sure. It’s fascinating to hear the articulate thought of other people dealing with this condition and its ramifications. So, thanks and I hope you guys keep it up!
I had takedown of my J-Pouch 2.5 weeks ago. My main issue is pressure on the anus, which although i am able to resist, can often be quite frequent and uncomfortable (but not painful). It’s very early days for me though so i’m hopeful this will improve with time.
Have you heard of psyllium husk? Lots of people in the UK with a pouch take this on a daily basis to help thicken output, and this is something i will give a go once my Pouch has been given a bit more time to naturally settle down and kick in. A good alternative to imodium, i understand.
All the best,
Tom (UK)
Hi Tom,
Thanks for all the compliments. I have never heard of psyllium husk before. If you have problems with Imodium it might be worth looking into. I’ve never had any issues with Imodium myself so I’ve had no need to try other thickening solutions.
Dennis
[...] One year J-pouch update [...]