Considering W-pouch Surgery After Ileostomy: Experiences Needed

Considering W-Pouch Surgery After Ileostomy: Experiences Needed

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Scott Chance

May 01, 2017 10:00 pm

Hi,

I've had my ileostomy for 7 years, following a sudden attack of severe ulcerative colitis. To be honest, apart the usual adjustments we all have to put up with life has been good. I've long since returned to work, am studying for a profession and have even started to gain weight in the last two years.

I saw a stoma nurse last week for a check up and she suggested I consider W-pouch sugery to end the need to wear bags. She tells me this is the same concept as a J-pouch but can retain more output.

Now, I will not entertain a J-pouch due to reading numerous horror stories online. Even those who are happy with life report going to the loo 8 times a day, with some of those visits in the middle of the night. In some cases thats after dosing up on loperamide. By contrast, I only empty my ileostomy bag 4 to 5 times a day, I don't take medication and it doesn't give me a problem at night.

I'm struggling to find any detail online as how to how frequently W-pouchies tend to go to the loo. The perceived wisdom appears to be "less frequently than with a J-Pouch", but I can't find a number.

Has anyone had experience of the W-pouch (or knows somebody who does)?

Many thanks.

Mrs.A

May 06, 2017 5:32 pm

Hi Scott,

I've never heard of a W pouch, I would of thought the stoma nurse could of given you some lititerature to read up on this type of pouch. Wonder if you could call her and see if she has some web sites you could go and do some research about it.

Curious to know what a W pouch is all about.........

Okay, fast forward to some insite and web searching is this bit of info:

W-Pouch

The W-pouch is constructed using four loops of small intestine. It is sometimes used when the patient has another pouch that needs revision. Patients who have the W-pouch do not need intubation, and often have to go to the bathroom less frequently.

One disadvantage of the W-pouch is that it is bulky, which may make it more difficult to use in patients with a narrow pelvis.

I found this information here- https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/articles/ileal-pouches

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Posted by: HungryHamster

Hi,

Not blowing my own trumpet or anything, but I was at the healthiest I had ever been prior to getting UC symptoms. I was eating very healthy and exercising 6/7 days. I'd love to know if any lifestyle factors affect UC, but I suppose I'll have to wait until they figure out what causes it.

I've been trying to occupy myself by being in contact with friends often, but some days I am really not in the mood and find it hard to drag my mind away from what ends up being a mountain of thoughts. I suppose it's all part of the learning process and I'm sure it'll happen less with time. This website has been great so far. It's great to be able to write this sort of stuff down and chat with people that understand what's going on. For that, I thank everyone on this website.

Thanks,

Hamish.