Reversal surgery soon and consultation tomorrow

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HungryHamster

Hi everyone,

I have my J-pouch surgery on November 23, so about six weeks from now. Tomorrow is my final consultation with my surgeon before the surgery, but because of uni I haven't given myself any time to think about the surgery very much. Is there anything that you wish you knew or asked your surgeon before your reversal? I can't think of any specific questions for him at the moment. I know of the complications, like pouchitis occurring in about 20-25% of people and the risk of cancer in the cuff of rectum that is left over.

Thanks for any input.

Hamish

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Bill

Hello Hamish.

I cannot think of any further questions that you might like to ask but I thought I would just wish you well and hope that everything goes as planned.

Best wishes

Bill

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veejay

I'm not familiar with your planned surgery, Hamish, so it would be foolish to comment. Suffice to say, I reiterate what Bill has said above.

One would hope you are dealing with a specialist who knows his stuff.

Don't be afraid to ask the awkward questions. I didn't ask the questions I should have when I was operated on and was not prepared for the unexpected outcomes. How I regret thinking everything "would be fine".

As Bill has said previously, you have people "in your corner" on this site.

All the best, young man.

V.J.

HungryHamster

Thanks for all the kind words. The implications of the surgery have been made pretty clear. All of the usual stuff with J pouches, like pouchitis and possibilities of it not healing or not responding properly in the days after surgery. This is my surgeon's #1 surgery that he does and he's done them for 15 years or so.

In regards to your point, V.J., I did ask the awkward questions, mainly about nerve damage regarding both continence and sexual function. While incontinence is a risk, my surgeon, like apparently 95% of all surgeons, leaves about 1-2cm of the rectum to attach the pouch to. This is to avoid going too close to any nerves and such a small amount of infected rectum apparently won't cause any major problems. Sexual function is, of course, a risk as well, though my surgeon told me that in all of his years of doing this surgery he has never caused sexual nerve damage on any of his male patients. Overall, I'm hoping it goes well. I have age and weight on my side, or so the surgeon says, so hopefully I might be in good health for once. We'll see what happens. I'll keep you all updated in the coming weeks.

Thanks,

Hamish

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