I hope I can encourage others who will find hope in good news about J-Pouch Surgery. I have been a forum member for over five years -- since learning that I had colon cancer. It's been a tough five years with about six different surgeries that included three different ileostomies to correct issues.
I was pretty close to resigning and settling into my ileostomic future and happy I had that option! However, I had the opportunity to have Dr. Remzi from Cleveland Clinic do a pouch redo surgery six months ago.
The only word that comes to mind regarding my health now is "normal." And by that, I mean 100% normal in almost every way. While I plan for about three or four BMs a day in my schedule, I now sleep through most nights and not sure how I could be any happier (except I could stand to not have such a voracious appetite and subsequent weight gain! ) I am now at 190 LBs (165 was my low during my issues.) And it goes without saying, "normal" means I need to work hard watching what I eat and exercising.
I am playing basketball fairly competitively in an over 35 league. I did zip-lining at a corporate event a few weeks ago, and no bathroom access for about six hours with no problem! (Just two Imodium before breakfast and two more during the day.)
There are many people like me who have had success, and I am very thankful for all you members and this board who were with me when it was tough going. Remember, posters are the ones who have issues and need help .. but there are many who graduate a bit back into life with a successful J-Pouch!
I know James is at Cleveland Clinic for his redo today with Dr. Remzi. I hope he has similar and even better success. We had a similar history of issues, so best wishes, James!
One thing I learned, technically, from my episodes: Any leak is not good, and there is no such thing as "a small leak" IMHO. Also, if you are passing gas from where you should be, that's a great sign!
(I may need to change my login to "Happy Fart!"
