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I caught c-difficile in the hospital over two years ago and had an iliostomy while I was undergoing cancer treatment. I am now feeling pretty fit and am trying to decide whether or not to go in for the reversal. I have managed the pouch for almost three years now and wonder if the reversal will make my life better or more unmanageable?
I have been warned by the surgeon to expect frequent trips to the bathroom for a while and then it settles down. How long does this diarreah-like situation continue and does it really "settle down"....
reversal or keep the iliostomy pouch
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It's really only a decision that you and your surgeon can make.
I chose not to have a J-Pouch. First, though I was officially diagnosed with ulcerative colitis, there was a question of Crohn's Disease. Crohn's and J-Pouches do not mix.
I know that the number of times that one goes to the bathroom at first is quite high (usually 10+ times per day). It does decrease, but from what I have read, the frequency of emptying an ileostomy appliance and emptying a J-Pouch are the same.
Ileostomies have their downsides. Skin problems and body image issues reduce our quality of life. J-Pouches (and K-Pouches for that matter) can address those problems.
J-Pouches have their downsides as well. Pouchitis is a frequent complication, and sometimes requires the long-term use of Flagyl, Cipro and other anti-biotics. There are other complications as well.
I believe the 10-year success rate (success being defined as the pouch is still there, and the patient hasn't reverted to an ileostomy) for the J-Pouch is 87%.
Again, a lot of the choice has to do with your individual situation, your individual values, and how you weigh pros and cons of everything. And only the colorectal surgeon can address your specific questions.
I chose not to have a J-Pouch. First, though I was officially diagnosed with ulcerative colitis, there was a question of Crohn's Disease. Crohn's and J-Pouches do not mix.
I know that the number of times that one goes to the bathroom at first is quite high (usually 10+ times per day). It does decrease, but from what I have read, the frequency of emptying an ileostomy appliance and emptying a J-Pouch are the same.
Ileostomies have their downsides. Skin problems and body image issues reduce our quality of life. J-Pouches (and K-Pouches for that matter) can address those problems.
J-Pouches have their downsides as well. Pouchitis is a frequent complication, and sometimes requires the long-term use of Flagyl, Cipro and other anti-biotics. There are other complications as well.
I believe the 10-year success rate (success being defined as the pouch is still there, and the patient hasn't reverted to an ileostomy) for the J-Pouch is 87%.
Again, a lot of the choice has to do with your individual situation, your individual values, and how you weigh pros and cons of everything. And only the colorectal surgeon can address your specific questions.