Choosing Surgery For Ulcerative Colitis - Permanent Or Temporary Ileostomy?

Happy Cheeks · 2014-05-25T13:55:52-04:00

Hiya everyone. I am soon to have surgery for ulcerative colitis. I'm just very confused about which surgical option to choose.- I can either choose to have a total colectomy with removal of rectum and anus and have a permanent bag.- I can have a j-pouch formed and have a temporary ileostomy while it heals and then have it reconnected later on.- Or if undecided, they said they can leave the rectal stump, remove the colon, and then decide a year down the line whether I want to keep the ileostomy permanently or have it reversed.I would really like to have more children one day and have heard the j-pouch can cause infertility, so I'm not sure about that option.I also worry about leaving the rectal stump in because I have active colitis there. Would that cause any problems?Any advice would be great. Has anyone had a permanent ileostomy and managed to have children after? What's it like living with a bag day to day? :-) lol sorry for the essay, hope someone can help. Thanks x

Choosing Surgery for Ulcerative Colitis - Permanent or Temporary Ileostomy?

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moonshine

Jan 16, 2015 12:28 am

I had a subtotal colectomy in 2010 (had 80) of my colon removed but was still connected to the small bowel. The internal stitches did not hold and I ended up in full-blown septic shock and ended up with an ileostomy with hopes of a reversal. I have scleroderma (CREST) and GI problems exist and will exist as this is a progressive autoimmune illness. After I was told I was not a great candidate for reversal, I sort of felt relieved and learned to deal with the bag... I bling it out to be as girly as possible. I was also told a reversal might lead me to other digestion and elimination issues.

I am glad I kept the bag

sovington

Jan 14, 2016 2:00 am

Please look into a BCIR, which stands for Barnett Continent Intestinal Reservoir. It is the best operation you can get. If you have any questions, you can message me at MN.

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Posted by: Immarsh

Hi Hatlady and all,

I've had my ostomy for over 50 years, since I was a kid, and didn't think I really needed to be part of the ostomy site. But once active, I came to realize, that although I may not need help at the time, I was able to reach out and help others in need. Back in the day, before stoma therapists, I use to visit new patients in the hospital or homes ... While professionals are great, it is also good to be able to speak with people with personal experience. I was a free member for awhile, but after writing often, I was given free months. I then started paying, and decided to just take lifetime membership. After all, I was going to have my ostomy for the rest of my life. I'm one of those people who can disappear for a few months at a time, but I'm always glad that the site is here, I can return and reconnect with old friends, and make new ones. This is an excellent site ... Best regards to all ... and Best wishes for a Healthy and Happy New Year.

Penguins7

Jan 14, 2016 5:53 pm

I am curious about the BCIR as I have inquired about it. They said with me having Crohn's I would have to go at least 3 years without any flare-ups, which I have. Please tell me more as I would welcome the opportunity to shed this bag. Thanks. Penguins7

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Jan 02, 2018 11:49 pm

I've had the J pouch made in me and reversal done, and I wish I never did get it. It caused me a lot of grief and extra downtime. The only advice I can give if you do get the J pouch made is to take it super slow and allow it to fully heal before going back to a full diet. Maybe explore a more easily overall digestible diet.