Reply to "It's like coming home..."

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First, is it generally accepted that there's a 2 year time limit on this decision? Her surgeon has told her that if she's going to have a pouch she needs to have it within 2 years of the colectomy or there's less chance of success.

There have been a number of people here who've waited much longer than that. I think if she'd like to wait longer she should keep up with kegal exercises so those muscles don't get all lazy and such.

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is the one-step standard now and what determines whether a one-step will be done? One of her worries is that the surgeon has told her there's a 50% chance she'd wake up with another stoma and needing another surgery.

I think it totally depends on the surgeon and what s/he is comfortable with. But the fact that the surgeon is even mentioning j-pouch construction and takedown all in one is promising. But even more, the fact that the surgeon is making no promises is a good thing. Can you imagine how shocking it would be to except [almost] real plumbing to be installed and to wake up to discover an outhouse?

It's so nice seeing your wonderful perky face here. We've missed you. But then again, having a perfect baby and gazing at her 24/7 is a much better use of time.

kathy