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Jpouch surgery

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Ulcerative Colitis
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Posted 12/2/2009 1:32 PM (GMT 0)
I am scheduled for j pouch surgery on December 21st.  Looks like I'll be spending Christmas in the hospital.  But better to get it behind me.  Anyone have any advice following this surgery?  And how successful has it been for people.  I've had UC since 1996.  It's really wearing on me.  I can't take Remicade due to a breast cancer history.  Oral meds are not working for me any more.  I feel a little bit toxic, but will try my best to stay hydrated and eat well prior to surgery.  My mouth and eyes are really bothering me.
Posted 12/2/2009 2:01 PM (GMT 0)
Why don't you ask on the ostomy forum?

The timing sure stinks. I was in the hospital over Christmas once..... it was ok. When faced with an uncomfortable event like this, I try to ask myself, "In 10 years how will I look back at this?" And I bet in your case you'll look back at it as The Time You Got Rid of UC!! That will be a holiday gift that you'll always appreciate!
Posted 12/2/2009 2:04 PM (GMT 0)
Surgery might just be the best holiday gift you have ever received!

Advice, be patient. Adaption can take up to a year but you should feel well immediately following surgery. It will be obvious that your UC is gone. Check out www.j-pouch.org where over 6000 pouchers can give you advice and support. I had surgery almost 9 years ago; best health decision I have ever made.

Sue
Posted 12/2/2009 2:18 PM (GMT 0)
It will be a crummy way to spend Christmas this year, but next Christmas you'll be feeling fantastic and UC free! Keep us updated. Best of luck for a speedy recovery.
Posted 12/2/2009 4:19 PM (GMT 0)
Good luck, and keep us posted!
Posted 12/2/2009 4:31 PM (GMT 0)
Hi Chips mom

I have been doing some research over on the ostomy forum because I'm planning on having the surgery but getting a perm ileostomy instead of the J-pouch... One of the advices I have read over there is walk as soon as you can after surgery.. and keep walking! One person was saying "WALK WALK WALK"... I guess it helps your intestines wake up faster and makes healing go faster.. Of course don't do more than you can, but do as much as you can... Other than that.. I'd try not to be upset about being in the hospital for Christmas... You will most likely be home for new years and Im sure you will be SO glad you had this done... Next Christmas you can look back and be thankful that it's over and you no longer have U/C!! Good luck to you!!
Posted 12/2/2009 5:13 PM (GMT 0)
So, do they remove the lining of your rectum in order for you not to have UC anymore?
Also, did you look into a k-pouch and, if so, why did you go with the J?
Posted 12/2/2009 6:33 PM (GMT 0)
Hi Chips Mom,

Looks like I will be having my j-pouch created on the 21st as well! Crummy way to spend Christmas. I'm going to try to have someone bring their laptop to the family get-together so I can join them via webcam. Just an idea for ya!

I am a 3-stepper, so I already had my colon removed. A agree with some of the posts already - walk as much as you can! I was very weak and tired going into surgery. But I tried to get up every few hours afterwords to do a short walk around the floor of the hospital. It helps wake your bowels up, and it also helps with the swelling and the gas pains if you have them.

As someone already said, you will wake up and know right away that the diseased organ is gone. It's hard to fathom now, but you'll understand as soon as you wake up. :) It'll be the best Christmas present ever!

Hang in there, and good luck!
Posted 12/2/2009 6:35 PM (GMT 0)
Burli,

The rectum and the large colon are removed in the jpouch surgery. A small amount of rectal cuff is left to hook to the new jpouch. Some surgeons (like mine) strip the cuff so that there is no colon cells left. Others leave the cuff intact which may cause the recovered patient to have some inflammation on an ocassional basis. The jpouch basically replaces the rectum, not the colon.

Sue
Posted 12/2/2009 9:53 PM (GMT 0)
I will be thinking of you, hope all goes well for you.
Posted 12/3/2009 3:34 AM (GMT 0)
Looks like you'll be UC free by New Year... I couldn't think of a better way to start the year!
Posted 12/3/2009 5:37 AM (GMT 0)
You defintely need to walk alot! Also, take some gas-x with you, its a pain to get a script and that will be a lifesaver! the gas is worse than anything, lol.

Is this your first step surgery?
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