Guest guest Posted February 2, 2009 Report Share Posted February 2, 2009 I wasn't offered the choice of a j-pouch when my colon was removed, the transplant team said ileostomy. I guess I'll accept the paraphernalia over the pouchitis. The idea of taking antibiotics so frequently bothers me, and I'm sure it would bother all the good flora in my gut. Last time I took cipro, the thrush was awful in my mouth and throat, I treated it with Activia yogurt for several days and it cleared up. The pouch system I have now is two pieces with adhesive tabs and velcro to seal the pouch. It takes about 5 minutes to change the whole set, usually every 4 days. The pouches have a vent with a carbon filter to deal with odor. Medicare covers the cost completely, it is surprising how much a few ounces of plastic can cost. The relief of getting a defective colon removed is worth the trouble. I would not want to go back to rushing to the bathroom or searching for public restrooms, and hoping there would not be a waiting line. Also eliminating the possibility of colon cancer is a comfort. If anyone is facing this decision, I suggest you talk to a stoma nurse and actually see what your choices are. You will need a referral from a doctor, but it is worth the effort. Take Care MizKit Re: ot; colon removal & PSC Marie I'll have to look into that support group. Where did you have the surgery at and how has the J-pouch affected things with your liver. Serbrina Sent via BlackBerry by AT & T Get instant access to the latest most popular FREE games while you browse with the Games Toolbar - Download Now! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted February 2, 2009 Report Share Posted February 2, 2009 I wasn't offered the choice of a j-pouch when my colon was removed, the transplant team said ileostomy. I guess I'll accept the paraphernalia over the pouchitis. The idea of taking antibiotics so frequently bothers me, and I'm sure it would bother all the good flora in my gut. Last time I took cipro, the thrush was awful in my mouth and throat, I treated it with Activia yogurt for several days and it cleared up. The pouch system I have now is two pieces with adhesive tabs and velcro to seal the pouch. It takes about 5 minutes to change the whole set, usually every 4 days. The pouches have a vent with a carbon filter to deal with odor. Medicare covers the cost completely, it is surprising how much a few ounces of plastic can cost. The relief of getting a defective colon removed is worth the trouble. I would not want to go back to rushing to the bathroom or searching for public restrooms, and hoping there would not be a waiting line. Also eliminating the possibility of colon cancer is a comfort. If anyone is facing this decision, I suggest you talk to a stoma nurse and actually see what your choices are. You will need a referral from a doctor, but it is worth the effort. Take Care MizKit Re: ot; colon removal & PSC Marie I'll have to look into that support group. Where did you have the surgery at and how has the J-pouch affected things with your liver. Serbrina Sent via BlackBerry by AT & T Get instant access to the latest most popular FREE games while you browse with the Games Toolbar - Download Now! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted February 4, 2009 Report Share Posted February 4, 2009 in answer to the question about dehydration with ileostomy... I have had both a ileostomy (22 years) and now a continent ostomy (15 years). I have had to be very careful about taking in enough fluid to stay hydrated with both types but especiallly with the continent ostomy. This might be because when I had the continent ostomy surgery they had to remove even more small intestine so now there is less transit time for any liquid to absorb. My understanding is that the large intestine is where fluid absorption takes place but when that is removed the small intestine somehow adapts and is able to help with absorbing fluids. I was not able to have the J-pouch for 2 reasons. The first is that it hadn't been invented or widely accepted when I had my initial surgery in 1972. The other is that my rectum was removed and I think I was told it had UC also so there was no need to keep it. I hope this helps a little bit or at the very least gives another perspective. Blessings, Barby - KS UC - 1965, ileostomy - 1972, BCIR (continent pouch) 1994, PSC - 1995, arthritis 2007, tx 11.29.07married 29 years , 5 sons, 2 daughters in law, 1 granddaughter, 1 grandson , granddaughter due 3/09 and 1 golden retriever Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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