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J pouch vs ileostomy

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Posted 7/12/2012 1:57 AM (GMT 0)
So my husband just had an ileostomy/j pouch surgery. The expectation is that he will have the second surgery in 3 months- What are the upsides and challenging sides of the j pouch vs the ostomy?
Right now he is struggling with how to create a strong enough seal so that there are no blow-outs- yesterday was very frustrating, discouraging- it was the first day of changing the equipment without medical help and he went through 4 different settings. Thank you for your support.
Posted 7/12/2012 2:08 AM (GMT 0)
Carrielcd
Tell us what process you use when changing. Maybe we can help.

Dan
Posted 7/12/2012 2:38 AM (GMT 0)
when there is a leak Tim removes the "plate" and bag- showers off- dries the site- sometimes the stoma is still seeping-so he holds a dry paper towel beneath it to get it as dry as possible- i put the powder at what appears to be the most tender places- his skin has gotten quite raw in some places- then he wipes around the stoma with the pad that has the mild adhesive- sticky substance- then he places the plate that has been prepared by drawing the circle, then rolling back the rubbery material that can be manipulated to fit the stoma- we place it- he holds it down- we peel back the rest of the adhesive sheet and smooth it out so that there are no creases or folds. His skin has gotten quite "papery" from weight loss and age- not a lot of flesh to work with - and then we hope for the best.
Posted 7/12/2012 10:52 PM (GMT 0)
I'm sure some other people will pipe in but I'll share my experiences. I've had the j-pouch now for a year and a half but before that I had the ileo for close to a year. I didn't mind having the ileo and I know if I ever have to go back to it down the road I will be fine. It gave me my life back. Having said that I love my j-pouch. There was about a 4 month adjustment period for me after I got it. It just took my body a while to adjust. It may not take your husband that long or it might take a bit longer. Early on I had urges that felt a lot like UC. However, the difference is I could always hold it and most of the time the feeling would pass in about five seconds. You have to learn how to pass gas and make sure nothing comes out. It's a learned skill. With a j-pouch you can develop pouchitis. I had it once and it was quickly brought under control by an antibiotic. With both you can get a blockage - been there and done that but it has always worked itself out on its own.

One benefit of the j-pouch is you don't have to pay for the ileo supplies which are incredibly expensive. If he does go through with the j-pouch surgery consider buying a bidet seat attachment. Google it. Mine is a Coco. He'll be wiping down there a lot and it makes all the difference in the world. Buy one and he will be a much happier camper. Wish I had known about them earlier. Good luck.

Posted 7/13/2012 12:04 AM (GMT 0)
I have had my j pouch for 2 years now. I had my temporary loop ileo for about 3 months. I had a very hard time with it. I think because my stoma was sunken in and I had terrible skin breakdown. It bled, itched and burned round the clock no matter what i tried. The loop ileo ran like a faucet 24/7. From what I have read, the end ileo behaves much better than the loop. So maybe it's just because it was a loop that I had all the problems I did. Perhaps when he starts getting used it it, things will go along a lot smoother.

My j pouch works great. I am fortunate to have a text book one. So far it's been smooth sailing....knock wood....and I'm really happy with it.

Best wishes to you and your hubby. :)
Posted 7/13/2012 12:47 AM (GMT 0)
I get so weepy reading your stories- but Tim and I both feel encouraged by your successes. Grateful that he did not suffer years. It was a fast progression but in some ways it seems like a blessing. Labs just came back and the check in visit after surgery and there is no question that the ileostomy was the way to go.
Every day gets a little bit better - We grilled chicken and sweet potatoes tonight- sat outside under a perfect sky. Life feels good.
Thank you so much. Again- you're kindness has been a gift.
Posted 7/13/2012 4:20 AM (GMT 0)

Carrielcd said...
Every day gets a little bit better - We grilled chicken and sweet potatoes tonight- sat outside under a perfect sky. Life feels good.
 

 

 

 

Thank you Carrie....I too get weepy .....I'm due for surgery in approx 3 weeks too, messages like this make it all worth while.....so THANK YOU

Posted 7/14/2012 5:21 PM (GMT 0)
carriel, the leaks at this stage are normal and everyone goes through that. He'll figure out which bags - one or two-piece, work better for him. I had the ileo for 12 months for various reasons, it could have been 6 months but I had started a new job. It was cope-able but I really looked forward to not having a bag attached to me any more.
Now I have a jpouch and am happy the bag is gone. It's a lot of adjustment and a very different feeling moving my bowels. But I'm happier with the jpouch and I can only recommend it.
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