Hi Feealicious,
I've had my perm ileostomy for five plus years now. When I had it done back in 2010, there were several questions I had asked about it. One was the J-pouch, with what my surgeon told me made me think really hard on it. I did some research on it and wasn't too impressed with it. Sure, like anything else, it has its pros and cons. I still, to this day, have my rectal stump. The surgeon left it with the possibility of getting the J-pouch if my skin couldn't accept the pouching system. I have no problem with my bag. My skin isn't sensitive to the flange or anything else that I have to use. At first, I did have some issues with it leaking and the bile from that was awful, making my skin around my stoma raw as hamburger. Thank goodness all is well now. My thoughts are if a little leak around my stoma was that bad, just the thought of all that acidic bile around my rectum. After all, it's all stomach acid. Not saying that you shouldn't do it, that is your choice. When I went back to my docs for a checkup, one of the nurses asked me why didn't I opt for the J-pouch? My response was, I'd rather see what is happening up front than not be able to see what's happening at the back. I had enough times struggling with the ulcerative colitis that caused me to have the bathroom as my second home. With my ostomy bag, I have a little more control going to the restroom. Not having to worry whether or not I will make it. I was raw enough then and I couldn't imagine going through that again. Just my two cents. It is a lot to think about for sure. But I'm sure whatever you decide will be to your best interest. Good luck on whatever you do. Charleston guy
