UOAA Discussion Board

Hi,
I've been researching the Koch pouch after 25 years of a ileo. I have an appointment for dr. fazio, who unfortunately fell ill and had to have a surgery of his own, so my appointment was pushed back 2 months.
So I wanted to see someone else as well, to get 2-3 opinions. I'm considering Dr. Bauer, Dr. Laurner, or Dr. Shiller (i think?). I know they are all great, but other than Fazio, are there any "favorites?"

Also, I've heard that people heal within possibly 6 weeks after this surgery. I've had so many surgeries and been up the next day, and I know this is a pretty invasive one, so I assume I'll be in bed for a couple weeks. But I heard that around 2 mos after surgery you can be back to normal.

has anyone had longer times or any problems? Or were you out of work for 3+ months?
I dont know if I'll have someone to take care of me afterwards. So is it doable that I get a nurse to visit me and I can do it myself?? I want this surgery, but I want to do it right.

If you are considering seeing Dr. Bauer in NY you may also want to see Dr. Gorfine and Dr. Milsom. Both doctors have been spoken well of. Dr. Launer is terrific. Dr. Schiller does a continent pouch, not a Kock but similar and functions the same. My understanding is that Dr. Fazio will be returning to the office but not to surgery, however that info could be wrong. There are still two surgeons on staff at CC that will do Kocks, Dr. Remzi and Dr. Deitz.

I returned to work after 8 weeks. I work in a preschool setting. You will be told not to lift of push anything for awhile. Dr. Fazio did my Kock. I came home with a catheter in 24/7 till my return visit 4 weeks
post-op. Then you stick to a strict schedule of emptying the pouch to stretch it gradually. I was told I could drive if I felt comfortable.
You may just need a friend or relative to come in and help with shopping and laundry and cooking.

I have heard most people say they are fine 6-8 weeks after the surgery. My parents want me to move across the country so they can take care of me, but that is going to be costly and make me very unhappy. I just thought if someone looked after me in the hospital, I would be fine when I went home. Maybe have some friends run errands for me until I'm able to.

does anyone think moving across the country for 3 months (they assume it will take from 3-6 months to heal) is a bit overkill? I just don't want to start my life again if it doesn't seem very necessary. Thanks for any advice!

As long as you have help available to you, you might be okay. When I first had my surgery 17 1/2 years ago, I stayed with my folks for a few weeks. You're talking about major surgery and you will be weak afterwards. It WILL knock you on your hiney for awhile. I understand you not wanting to move ascross the country. Is there anyone who might come stay with you for a week or so once you come home from the hospital ?

Dr Remzi (Cleveland Clinic) did my Kock pouch just back in May and he is fantastic. He did a great job and he's a very caring physician.
I was back to work part-time at 8 weeks and full-time at 10. I also had my j-pouch removed and proctectomy so it was a fairly big surgery. In the hospital 10 days. My mom actually came to me and lived for a month to help take care of me. Some things were definitely out of the question right away like grocery shopping, laundry. I was at home a week before I felt adventurous enough to make a short trip out. Also I had a cath in 24/7 for 5 weeks while the new pouch and valve healed. Its tough to get around with a tube sticking out of your belly.

I have heard that some people do actually take care of themselves after major surgery but I don't think I could be one of those people, I was pretty helpless!

Maybe you can coax your parents to take it in turns to stay with you?
Good luck in all your decision making!

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katie

I have a BCIR but the recover time is very similar to K pouch. I took eight weeks off from my work. By the end of my leave, I was driving around and taking my kids all around town but at the beginning, I needed my family with help with shopping, laundry and things of that magnitude. My initial restrictions primarily involved a lifting restriction.

Hello..Im wanting to learn more about the Koch pouch...any suggestions where I can find information?

Thanks so much!


Christy

there is a forom section on the j-pouch webboard specifically for k-pouchers and there is a lot of information there
http://j-pouch.org/groupee/forums

I also learned a lot (when I was researching alternatives myself) by a simple Google search - kock pouch or continent ileostomy.
I'm happy to answer any questions you may have!

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katie

Did you mean Dr. Launer in San Diego? He actually studied in Sweden under Dr. Nils Kock, inventor of the Kock pouch. I had my J Pouch done in Sweden and I can tell you that the surgeons there are top notch. They are aggressive in the sense that they are on the cutting edge. Launer is the same. I see him and Dr. Worsey in La Jolla for check-ups. Dr. Worsey is also awesome. I like that he emails me within 2 days if I have a question--I don't this abuse though. Good luck!

Michael

Did you go through with the surgery?
Dr Shores in St Pete is a TOP Surgeon.
But my advice is if you are healthy, STAY that way instead of wanting sometime better looking.

Best Wishes!