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Life expectancy?

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Ulcerative Colitis
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Posted 11/9/2018 5:43 PM (GMT 0)
im wondering about a previous post I read in regards to life expectancy. I had a total colectomy with jpouch surgery back in 2008. I think I’m doing well, overall, since the surgery. My anxiety is a bit higher now, but overall, with only a few times experiencing pouchitis, stools are about (on average) 8 -10 times a day.
My question is, how come life expectancy (according to other posts) doesn’t seem to change? Granted, yes, I could get cancer, stroke, hit by a bus, etc. I understand other obvious things can go wrong.. but I thought around 70% of your immune system is in your colon? That being said, without one, am I looking at a shorten life span due to complications (without having a major organ) to help fight off illnesses? I get my flu shot yearly, and take vitamins daily, just wondering if long term it can possibly have an effect on my body’s ability to fight off disease/illness?
Posted 11/9/2018 5:56 PM (GMT 0)
Welcome to the forum. Research has not shown our life expectancy as UC patients to not be any less/different than that of our healthy peers (no statistically-significant difference in life expectancy). You've actually increased your life expectancy by having the surgery: no more risk of colorectal cancer (which builds by the decade for UC patients), no more small but present risk of complications from UC meds (lymphomas, blood abnormalities, liver damage, etc), etc.

Yes we do have some commensal bacteria within the intestines that aid our immune system, but what makes you think they are gone after colorectal surgery? These bacterial communities are not limited to just the large intestine, but are all over the small intestine. They're still there doing their job. The 70% figure is more than a bit generous, and a bit inaccurate.
Posted 11/9/2018 6:12 PM (GMT 0)
Thank you iPoop - I have read that before in regards to the 70% being in the intestines (and being they took some of my small intestine to make the jpouch) I was concerned if it had any real “fact” basis to it. (Cuz, everything you read online must be true, right? Ha ) I do have about a half inch left of my colon still, that was needed to attach the jpouch to the sphincter muscle. Surgeon has said that there are still ulcers on that. Although being small, if they do get larger, and irritated, they will have to remove it, thus, giving me back my ostomy pouch for the of my life.
Thank you for the information. I appreciate your time. smile
Posted 11/14/2018 2:52 AM (GMT 0)
Sorry to hear you're dealing with cuffitis. I know there are some surgeons who specialize in pouch "redos". You may have the option of getting the cells scraped rather than removal of the pouch. I would definitely look into that if you want another option. You would need to see a redo specialist. There's someone at the Cleveland Clinic, Dr Shen. I have heard he is the guy with all the options. I didn't go to him, and I don't have personal experience, but if you search around, you will see his name mentioned often. Before I had surgery I would look around worrying about everything!!!!

Here's an interesting article on the subject:
https://consultqd.clevelandclinic.org/redo-ileal-pouch-surgery-requires-special-team-and-expertise/
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