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Ulcerative Colitis
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Posted 12/3/2008 6:34 AM (GMT 0)
My daughter is 21. Her doctor has suggested removing her colon, because she is in severe stages of colitis. My quoestion is how long is the recovery time and would she have to wear a bag for the rest of her life?
Posted 12/3/2008 2:08 PM (GMT 0)
She will have surgical choices; everything from a permanent ostomy to a j or k pouch. I suggest you and your daughter visit www.j-pouch.org to learn about the options. A jpouch is more like a colon whereas a kpouch is a form of intubation.

Recovery from surgery varies and is dependent a lot on how sick the patient is at the time of surgery. Some of us returned to work/school within 3 weeks from surgery but the average is a 6 week recovery at home. Once the diseased colon/rectum are gone your daughter will feel immediate relief and recovery begins. It's kind of amazing.

I had jpouch surgery 7 years ago. I have never regretted my decision and am able to participate fully in life. I take no medications and eat what I want. I wished I would have had the surgery sooner than losing the 2 years of my life to UC.

Sue
Posted 12/8/2008 5:04 AM (GMT 0)
Surgery is the cure for UC. The bag can be temporary if she opts for the j-pouch surgery, (I had one for 9 months before they could do all of the j-pouch surgeries on me). Life is a million times better after the final j-pouch surgery. I suffered like your daughter for a year before I told them to take my colon out. Best decision I made in my life and I have no regrets. Be prepared for 2 to 3 surgeries though, but each one gets easier since your daughter will be much healthier after the diseased colon is removed and as she gets weaned off all of the crappy medicines.
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