Hello! I've had a loop ileostomy for about 10 months now, it was created after I developed a rectovaginal fistula that would not heal. My jpouch, created in 2008, was ok for a while, then not so great, then really awful with constant pouchitis, so going to the loop ileo has actually been a fantastic relief. Despite being on Entyvio, the fistula has not healed (it actually got bigger) and my doctor had suggested making the ileostomy permanent. I am on board with this idea - I'm just wondering about the surgery and the recovery. Any input from those going from a loop to an end/permanent ileo would be so appreciated: was this surgery super painful? Was it difficult to sit afterwards? What was your recovery time? My GI said the pain wasn't too bad (after the initial surgical pain) - but I'm having a hard time believing that! I don't think the ostomy part will be bad, since I have one already - I am worried about the pouch and rectum removal (especially the rectum part).
Thanks so much - Tara