considering j pouch surgery

hi everyone, hope your well, i normally post on the ulcerative colitis board so i'm new here.

i'm male, 28, live in england. i've had uc for 14 years and am in the middle of a flair. the doctor has told me to consider surgery. i've been doing a lot of research but would like to ask a few questions to people who have actually been through j pouch surgery for uc

how many bm's do you have in a typical day?

is there much urgency?

are you tired a lot?

is your diet restricted or can you eat things now that you couldn't before?

how long has it been since you had the op?

this is a sensitive one and it scares me most, i've been told there is a small chance of impotence, has anyone had this problem? ignore that if your not comfortable with it

i'd really like to hear from anyone in the uk that has had or is having surgery.

thanks for reading, rob

Dumb question, but what exactly is a j-pouch anyway? I am looking at getting a temporary ileostomy due to severe constipation and outlet issues. Does your rectum have to work to have a j-pouch? Because mine DOES NOT!

Rob,
I am from the UK

how many bm's do you have in a typical day?

3 or 4 - though it can be more if I have too much to drink or overdose on leafy veg.

is there much urgency?

None at all.

are you tired a lot?

No I am bursting with energy

is your diet restricted or can you eat things now that you couldn't before?

I eat everything and have no restrictions, though foods like leafy veg may make me a bit more active

how long has it been since you had the op?

Almost 8 years

this is a sensitive one and it scares me most, i've been told there is a small chance of impotence, has anyone had this problem? ignore that if your not comfortable with it

I know a couple of guys who suffered erectile dysfunction in the first few months afte surgery, this corrected itself in time though. I also know a couple who have permanent retrograde ejaculation.

There is a very good site at www.iasupport.org which has its own set of forums and is very UK focussed. From there you will be able to arrange to speak/meet with others who have already been down this road and can answer all of your Qs.

Peter