Nadia and Dennis two year J-pouch update
April 1, 2011Our viewers like perspective when it comes to surgery, knowing what can go well and what can go bad. In this video Nadia and I compare how our J-pouches have functioned the last two years or so.
Two points worth noting: shortly after this video was filmed, I developed my third case of pouchitis, and Nadia decided to keep her ostomy permanently, rather than trying a second reversal. It just goes to show that there are no guarantees when it comes to surgery.
But in both our cases we’ve decided that the possible benefits of the J-pouch were worth the risks.
Keep fighting,
~Dennis
Hi, I had j-pouch surgery 15 years ago. Has anyone had this surgury because of overuse of laxatives. Anyway, It got so bad that I stayed sick all the time. I have a new doctor. They kind of blow be off when I go to the doctor with issues. Some days I am so weak it’s hard to get up and moving. It wasn’t by idea to have any kind of surgery. I just wish they were more understanding.
While I’m very sorry to hear of the pouch problems you two have had, it’s quite inspiring to see you both move ahead with your lives in such decisive and positive ways. Thanks again for all you’ve done with this site.
Hi All
I had a sub total colectomy in June last year and have just seen my surgeon today to discuss pouch surgery. What do you guys think? I get on well with my ileostomy at the moment, but I also like the idea of not having the external pouch! Is the internal pouch better than having the initial colitis?
Hi Stuart,
Thanks for watching our website. Check out more of our videos about J-pouches to see if it’s a good option for you. It’s really hard to tell people which surgery to get or which is “best.” No one option is perfect. They all have advantages and disadvantages. Your own health and body is really a major determinate of surgery, and those are details only the doctor/surgeon knows.
Like anything, some people do really well with the J-pouch, some are in between like me, and some people have pouch failure like Nadia. Even the surgeons don’t know exactly how things will turn out before they do the surgery.
But hopefully any surgery is better than colitis as long as you don’t have a major complication as a result of the surgery.
Dennis