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How stupid was I to think that 4 years ago the remicade treatment would have put me into a final lifelong remission. Ugg, pouch inflamed again! back on drugs that I had this surgery years ago to get off of. Failed so many meds! I'm getting older and getting tired. Pouch removal is still on the table and I worry that now I'm 60 I can handle such a big surgery. Thanks for listening, I have not been on the board for a while.
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Dear AllyKat,

You and I go back a long way. You have always been so supportive to me. I'm so sorry to hear that you are still having problems. When you do decide to have that darn pouch removed, know that there are many people here on this site that will be cheering you on. You may not remember, but after many, many years (15 years) of pouch problems and a vaginal/j-pouch fistula I was told by my surgeon that it was time to take it all out and close up my anus. I kept fighting that decision over and over for years. The turning point came when I became totally incontinent and had to wear Depends to work every day, had horrible "diaper" rash, was anemic, and in a miserable state emotionally. I HAD NO LIFE. I had my surgery for a permanent ileostomy and pouch removal at age 54 on July 19, 2007 and I celebrate that day every year. I finally got my life back. My husband and I can now travel. We're off to Europe on Sunday to take a Mediterranean/Cross-Atlantic cruise. My life (and my husband's life) is so enriched since this surgery.

Let me help you. If you need me just PM me.

Caty
Joining the voices of those who have found better life post pouch removal. I was 30 when I had ileo done and almost 32 when i had the pouch out. That was 10 years ago and I have never had one moment of regret. The surgery is scary but there are things you can do to help - mind body programs and such. I'm here too if you want to talk.
AllyKat,
I am so sorry that things are going downhill again...I don't think that you were stupid to be optimistic...we all need to believe and that is what makes things hurt even more when things don't work out...Here's hoping that you find an answer that you can live with and that gives you back your life.
Hugs and I pray for good news
Sharon
Hi Ally,
After being advised by my GI to have my J pouch removed because of a pre-cancer condition, I had a follow-up examination at Mayo Clinic where my GI's recommendation was confirmed. I asked the surgeon about having a K pouch done there, but he refused, citing my age (I'm 68). Personally, I wanted to avoid the problems others have had with permanent ileos and to enjoy a good quality of life. I was fortunate to locate a surgeon in St. Petersburg, FL who said he would give me a BCIR(similar to a K pouch). I was given a list of people who have consented to talk with prospective candidates for BCIR and made contact with several who were about my age and who had very good results. My surgery was successful and I am now 7 months post-op and doing very well. So, don't let age be a determining factor if you would prefer to have a K pouch or BCIR. However, there may be other medical conditions that could rule out these alternatives. Be sure to do your research and consult with a surgeon who really "knows his stuff". Best of luck to you. Bill

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