K pouch J pouch BCIR

It makes me angry that there aren't more options for ostomies. I had an ileostomy for 12 years when I discovered the BCIR. I've had internal pouches for 30 years, and it's been the best thing that ever happened to me. No more bags, accidents, or embarrassment.

The doctor who performed my BCIR retired, and it seems nobody does them now. The Koch pouch is very similar, but it seems doctors don't want to take the time. It's easier for them to slap a bag on and forget about you. That may sound harsh, but quality of life is 1,000 times better without a bag.

If you're having a really hard time, I suggest you talk to a doctor about revising your ostomy. I've never regretted it.

I had a j-pouch for a few years but also had severe strictures in my bottom which prevented me from being able to empty so I ended up needing to get a resection and a permanent ileostomy. Before the resection, I did some research and discovered the K pouch! I thought it was a perfect solution but my surgeon told me I’d be high risk for Short Bowel Syndrome so I opted for the ileostomy.

If I had a promising choice between a K pouch or a bag, I’d definitely pick the K pouch; but life was much more difficult for me before my ostomy so I still consider my life 1000 times better with my bag. 🙏 

Overall, I agree with you. If you have the choice of a k-pouch with a good prognosis, it’s likely easier to manage versus an ostomy. 

(Great topic!)

I'm sure you have raised pertinent points - but intubation is not for everyone.

And also, according to my surgeon here in the UK, these internal 'reservoirs' - including BCID which brings the 'living collar' into play - are not suitable for everyone. For those who do have the fortune of being suitable for such options, the solution can be for a time period - perhaps after 10 or 15 years, in some patients, there may be a reversal to a collecting pouch.

Weabow - What was your diagnosis at the time you had your ileostomy [around 28 years maybe] and was it the same diagnosis when you had your BCIR [around 40 years]? I may have the maths askew, just a rough calculation from your profile.

I ask these questions concerning any form of 'continent' solution - as I wished to achieve this when I put myself up for the TIEs novel implant - BUT AS I HAVE CROHN'S DISEASE DIAGNOSIS - one would be a high risk for BCIR as explained to me in some detail - it's all down to the histology and our diagnosis. Weabow is very lucky to have been able to enjoy 30 years - so far - and I wish her all the best for the future - as she says she has never had cause to regret having her BCIR - and I can fully understand this.

BW to ALL

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ waves from the UK ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

Jayne

Alternative 'continent' options - like TIEs under development - are far from proven - and may be considered high risk - even for the more suitable patient subjects.

There are surgeons who do have experience with BCIR here in the UK - but there probably are surgeons within the States too who perform BCIR for suitable candidates.