J-pouch and Crohn's

If your j pouch and anal sphincter are in good condition and you were satisfied with your pouch before problems developed, I would opt to keep it.  As regards your temporary ileo, I suggest you be seen by a good ostomy care nurse who could get you set up with supplies and techniques that will make having it manageable until takedown.  You may also wish to check out the UOAA Message board for suggestions that could resolve your problem.  I would consider an end  ileo at this time as a last resort.

If you can hang with the loop ileostomy for now, it is better than getting an end ileostomy, unless you plan to stick with it in the long term. The readon is that there is a school of thought that surgery can trigger Crohn's flares. So, if you are doing well, Crohn's-wise, it is best to leave sleeping dogs lie, so to speak. 

Have you tried a convex system for your loop ostomy? They ten to be more flush and difficult to get a good seal. Also, Eakins seals are talked about as a good option for the problem ostomy.

Jan

i had the same problem before take down . After i had  a loop ileostomy , i started getting abdominal cramping so severe that my stoma would just flush with the skin or would sink in . i had to go to ER every few days and for sunken stoma and my pouch would get functional . As i was loosing weight again , my surgeon decided to take down my ileostomy .At the time of surgery they figured that i had lot of adhesions which was the cause of cramping . Not sure if thats what causing leaks in your case .