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Reply to "Trying to decide between a permanent ostomy or a j-pouch"

Hello, Mkat73,

That is a big decision for you to make by the end of this month. I was under a bit of pressure to go with a permanent ostomy by my first surgeon. He was very supportive when I was still uneasy and undecided after a few weeks. He referred me to another surgeon who could do the tricky (in my situation) surgery and I was given a j pouch. I am very happy with my j pouch. The first eight months were uncomfortable, but everything settled down and I have no issues that can't be easily managed.

Remember that a permanent ostomy also means permanent expenses every month to buy all the equipment and supplies you will need. This could go on for months or years, if it's a temporary ostomy, or a lifetime.  If you don't have health insurance that covers ostomy supplies it can be a real financial consideration. There are people who live comfortably and very well with a permanent ostomy. Check the topic section for ostomy stories. Ask your surgeon for his patients that you can talk with over the phone, ostomates and j pouchers - recent patients and long-term patients - to see how it is for them. 

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