Do I remove the colon?

There's a great site with message board dedicated to the j-pouch surgery:

http://j-pouch.org/groupee/forums

I have crohn's and had my colon removed 3 years ago and I live with an illeostomy. Since you have UC you are propably going to have a 3 step surgery and the end result is a j-pouch. This is not a cure rather it is cutting out the disease. You are left with 2 centimeters of rectum and that means you still have uc and can still get rectal cancer. that is why patients are told to get an annual sigmoidoscopy and pinch for biopsy every 3 years. I have an aunt who had this surgery 15 years ago and has had no problems. Her son-in-law also had the surgery and he is doing well and it's been 3 years.

Where do you live? there are many excellent hospitals in the country that specialize in this surgery.

Erica

I'm just like you, viking! My colon is in very similar shape as yours, the polyps & the disease, based on scopes, & my GI has been recommending surgery for well over a year now. I am finally taking his advice- surgery scheduled for May 7th. My surgeon hasn't given me an opinion re. now/later for the surgery, we just talk about the actual procedure. As far as waiting a year- I wouldn't. I myself had surgery originally scheduled for last November & cancelled it- I wish I hadn't. For so many reasons- by now, I'd be well on the way to good health, I would not have had the complications that have arisen since then, & mentally, it's a whole 'nother period of emotional adjustment. Not fun. Plus, what's a year? I mean, if you know you are going to have to get it out eventually, just go ahead & do it. As far as jpouch vs. ileosotmy goes, I disagree with Erica- there's no "probably" about it- you will decide what type of surgery you get. I am not opting for a jpouch & I have UC also- I choose a perm ileostomy, with removal of the rectum. Which is indeed a "cure" for UC. After doing a lot of research, I just found the jpouch to be not for me. I hope this helps- just wanted to let you know I'm in the same boat. It sucks, for sure, but then again- is it really so bad? No one needs a colon to live a good life.

Eva,

With a j-pouch they use a bit of the colon (2 centimeters) as a cuff to connect to the rectum that's why I say the j-pouch is not a cure. And check up are needed every 3 years. The illeostomy removes the entire colon so in fact you are cutting out the entire disease.

Viking, I was 32 when all this happened and originally I was diagnosed with undetermined colitis. So I was going to get the j-pouch but then undetermined was determined to be crohn's. Crohn's patients are advised against the j-pouch.

Like I said earlier I know many people who are living successfully with the j-pouch. I do volunteer work with my doctors and I have met many inspiring people along the way. For those who have difficulty with it they have it disconnnectect and revert back to the ostomy.

My only suggestion is make sure you go to a good surgeon. Are you located in the midwest? I know some great doctors out here.

Nupur I do not know of anyone in India-I am so sorry.

Erica

I had my colon taken out Oct 07. I feel great now in that regards. Pain free and eat whatever I want and go to the bathroom 'normally'.

My surgeon reconnected everything back to my rectum so I don't have a pouch, J pouch or otherwise. You'd never know I had anything wrong with me. Just a small 3 inch scar below my bikini line.

The surgery was the hardest thing I've ever done....but being on the otherside of it I would definitely do it again.

Just do a lot of research and get all the facts you can. It will help you know what to expect. Good luck! Kim

you will be much happier without all that sickness inside of you! and if you do decide on a perm illeo, it's notbad at all, and it's actually kind of convenient at times, lol.

Hi Peggy,

Thanks for the concern.We live in central India.Actually going to any part of India for the treatment is not at all a problem for us because we have our friends and relatives in almost every metro city of India.

Only thing is we are really unaware that in which hospital shud we go and have this surgery.It wud be great if u can ask ur GI
doctor about the hospitals/doctors in India which specializes in these surgeries infact the best place to have this all done!

Thanks in advance..

Nupur

I really don't know how to advise you, Nupur- what you say seems to make sense though! Best of luck to you & your family also- I hope you are able to find a good surgeon ASAP! Have you looked on the internet much to research surgeons/hospitals in india?