This topic is about someone who recently had a J-pouch reversal surgery, which is a procedure to remove an external ostomy bag and connect the intestines internally. After the surgery, they have been experiencing ongoing pain, discomfort, and infections, and they are concerned about whether this is a normal part of recovery or if something might be wrong.

Here are some helpful pieces of advice and insights for anyone in a similar situation:

1. It's important to consult with your surgeon and consider getting a second opinion, especially from specialists at major IBD centers like the University of Pennsylvania. They can provide a more thorough assessment of any complications with the J-pouch.

2. Keeping a detailed journal of your symptoms, including pain levels, frequency of issues, infections, and any alarming signs, can be very helpful. This information can assist doctors in identifying problems early on.

3. Educate yourself about potential warning signs such as pouchitis, cuffitis, fistulas, obstructions, dehydration, and osteomyelitis. Knowing these can help you seek medical help promptly if needed.

4. Some people have reported that their J-pouches failed over time, lasting anywhere from 1 to 6 years, and they experienced constant pain, infections, weight loss, or fistulas. Many of them eventually chose to have a permanent ileostomy, which significantly improved their quality of life.

5. If you continue to experience severe symptoms, don't hesitate to consider reverting to an ileostomy. It's better to address the issue rather than endure prolonged suffering or wait for a crisis to occur.