In response to all the negative comments about J Pouches, I can only offer my own personal experience. I suffered with UC for 3 1/2 years before having a complete colectomy about 4 years ago. After a lot of experimenting with various appliance brands and types, I finally developed a "system" I was very happy with. When I had the colectomy, I told my surgeon I wanted to be left with the necessary anatomy for a possible reversal in the future. He wanted me to lose some weight before having the reversal as it would provide more space for the surgeons to work. With a male pelvis, which is smaller than a female, and extra weight, it would be problematical. Then last year, I developed a peristomal hernia that required a surgical repair. A couple of weeks before the surgery, my surgeon asked me if I wanted him to try for a J Pouch reversal "as long as we're in there"? At that moment, I honestly didn't know if I wanted to go through the additional surgery it would require, plus I was very happy with my "system". After a lot of thought, prayer, and a talk with a friend who's had a reversal, I decided to have it done. I had the J pouch reversal surgery last September and the "take down" reconnection surgery last January. After what I was told was a fairly typical recovery period, which was at times painful and sometimes with out-of-control bowel movements (20+/day), I have settled into a fairly predictable and manageable routine. I no longer suffer any pain, I normally have 6-8 BM's/day, and the consistency is most times that of thick oatmeal. I can report now that all the recovery is over, I have no regrets that I had it done. As a matter of fact, I love having a J Pouch and am very happy with it. I only have to see my surgeon once a year for follow-up. The only "problem" I have is swallowing too much air while eating/drinking. When I discussed what I thought was a lot of "gas" with my surgeon, he explained that it's mostly swallowed air.
I should also mention that I turned 65 years old last April, so you don't necessarily have to be young to have successful J Pouch surgery. I am convinced and feel strongly that the success of the surgery is directly proportional to the skill and quality of the surgical team doing the work. Also, a high-quality hospital minimizes your chance of complications and infection. My advice to anyone thinking of a reversal is the following: Seek out a high-quality surgeon who specializes in colon and rectal surgery. Don't let any other kind of surgeon convince you that they can do it as well as a specialist. Find a surgeon who operates out of a high-quality hospital, preferably in a large medical center. They are magnets for the best surgeons who do these surgeries all day, most days of the week. I had my work done at The Methodist Hospital in The Texas Medical Center in Houston. To find the best surgeon, talk with your other physicians whose judgment you trust, don't just ask your gastroenterologist. Talk with your ostomy nurse and people in your support group if you have one. I interviewed two surgeons before making my decision. Many doctors won't charge you if you make it clear that you are interviewing surgeons. Make sure you are comfortable with your selection. Don't just pick the one who's the most friendly or funniest; this has nothing to do with their skill level. Ask how many of these surgeries they've done and how many they do in a typical week. My particular surgeon, Dr. Randolph Bailey, writes many of the textbooks used to train other surgeons; he also lectures all over the world. This is a critically important decision, take your time, be thorough, and make the right decision. But also be mindful that every patient and every situation is unique; don't expect a miracle. Ask your surgeon to be honest with you about your odds for a successful outcome. Discuss it thoroughly with your surgeon and don't be afraid to ask questions. Pray about it and I wish you well.
Larry Wiggin