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Reply to "j-pouch vs Ostomy"

@Cindy R - I was also very concerned about control and seriously considered going to an ostomy rather than a pouch.   During the temporary ostomy I thought I could have gotten used to it and did like the control it provided.   I still can't say for sure that a permanent ostomy would have been inferior to the pouch.  Doctors will say J-Pouch is the the "gold standard" but it's a highly personal decision and a skipping the pouch in favor of a permanent ostomy is not a crazy choice to make.

Here is my pouch experience: It was rough at first after take-down. The frequency was exhausting and the pain from the burning was no joke. Diet was initially limited. Sleep was interrupted.   It took a while for me to get to a point that I did not regularly question my decision.  But I got there.

As for leaking, there is more of an issue with leaking if a mucosectomy is done, as in my case, and it is primarily when I am in deep sleep. I wear a pad at night just in case.

Even with good sphincter strength and pelvic muscle control, there can be leaking related to issues like cuffitis (for folks without a mucosectomy who have an actual cuff) or other pouch inflammation associated with bacterial overgrowth.  I take antibiotics for this and have no leaking at all when the inflammation is controlled.  Out of habit formed in the early months I wear a panty liner during the day, just for the extra sense if security  

Urgency and accidents are not a concern. I'm at 5-6 bathroom trips during the day, consistent as to timing if my meal times  are regular.   I try not to eat late in the day, take immodium before bed, and am still up one time overnight most nights.

The thing is that even with these inconveniences, my pouch function is way, way, way better than my colon was.  I'm happy not to have to be dealing with the external appliance and content with the choice I made.

Best of luck to you for a good result whichever course you choose.

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