Considering J-Pouch Surgery - Experiences and Expectations

I had my colon removed in March 2023 and am considering the J-pouch surgery. Can I have some stories of experiences and what to expect?

Hiya C

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J pouch, right down the bottom.

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G-Day Calat4, I had ulcerative colitis for many years and in 2004 I decided to get it fixed. My doctor said I could go for either an ileostomy or a J-pouch. I gave it some thought but decided if I went for the J-pouch and it didn't work, I could always go back to a stoma. Well, I put up with the J-pouch for 18 years but all that time I had problems, always looking for a toilet but the worst accidents at night when you have no control. So in 2021 I decided to have a complete ileostomy and have my butt stitched up and a stoma. I wish I had done that in the first place; it's the best decision I have made. I don't have to look for toilets all the time. I change my bag every Friday and every Monday and it's easy, only takes me about 5 minutes to do a change and I'm ready to go. I have only had a couple of leaks in the last 2 years but not a big problem. I did get a parastomal hernia but they fixed that for me a year ago and things are 100% fantastic. I hope this helps, Calat4. Let me know how you go. I live in Australia. Regards, IGGIE