Informal J-pouch Survey
Tue, March 02, 2010 11:58 AM
Informal J-pouch SurveyThough I went through my j-pouch surgery over 20 years ago, Im fairly new to the forum and curious to hear about other peoples experiences with the procedure. So, in an effort to educate myself and hopefully provide a wealth of information to others either preparing for or going through the procedure, I thought Id initiate an informal survey. Here it goes with my answers noted:
1. When was your initial IBD diagnosis? Summer 1985
2. When did you have your surgery? July 1989
3. Where? (DC)
4. Complications? Im tall; the surgeon said he really had to pull to create the j-pouch
5. Pouchitis? A couple of times in first few years, none since
6. IBD Diagnosis? UC from the start; confirmed with post-op biopsy
7. Average number stools per day? 5
8. Do you use a fiber supplement? Metamucil twice per day
9. Do you regularly use anti-diarrhea medicine? Immodium post-op, now only when ill (e.g. stomach bug)
10. Dietary restrictions? No, though I avoid mushrooms (blockage once, avoided ever since)
11. Foods that gum you up? Oatmeal, breads, pasta, bananas, yogurt
12. Foods that go right through you? Fast food (hot & greasy), mixed nuts, raisins
13. Foods that cause gas/bloating? Spinach, cold cereal
14. Restrictions on activities? No, exercise regularly (run, swim, core), love to ski, travel, etc
15. Overall rating? Two thumbs up
Thanks for input, Steve
Joined Nov 20, 2009
Wed, March 03, 2010 1:00 AM
Reply posted for stephenbsmith50.
1. I was diagnosed in September 2005--56 years of age. I was passing blood for over a year and was told to eat roughage for internal hemorrhoids.
2. I had a colectomy and j-pouch surgery (one step) in February 2008.
3. My surgery was at Mt. Sinai in NYC. I was treated unsuccessfully with asacol, azathioprine, Remicade and abatacept. The only drug that kept me functioning was prednisone.
4. No complications from surgery.
5. I have not had pouchitis.
6. I was diagnosed with ulcerative colitis--severe--it affected the entire colon.
7. Average number of stools per day--8. I do not have to get up in the middle of the night. I have total control. After every meal or snack, I take a trip to the bathroom.
8. I do not use a fiber supplement.
9. I took Lomotil--about ten pills a day right after my surgery. I dropped down to about 5 a year after. Now, I don't take any.
10. Dietary restrictions? I do not eat popcorn, nuts, raw vegetables (except salad), strawberries (seeds), hot peppers or anything else that will burn my mouth when I eat it. It has been two years and I am still adding different foods to my diet.
11. Foods that gum me up? Starches--the "white diet" works great for me--white rice, white bread, eggs, white potatoes, bananas, and pasta.
12.Foods that go right through me? Fruit and vegetables, especially salad.
13. Foods that cause gas/bloating? I don't ever feel bloated.
14. Restrictions on activities? None that I can think of. Bathrooms are not my main focus anymore.
15. Overall rating? I made the right choice. I have no regrets.
irenegpJoined Mar 3, 2010
Thu, February 04, 2010 10:47 PM
Reply posted for stephenbsmith50.
Hi, Steve. Great survey!
1. I was diagnosed with UC in 2007
2. I had jpouch surgery in 2009
3. Surgery was performed at Virginia Mason Hospital in Seattle, WA
4. No complications. Although I took an abnormally long amount of time to get my bowels working after the ileostomy takedown.
5. No pouchitis yet.
6. My IBD diagnosis was confirmed with blood tests prior to surgery, however a sample of my colon was sent to pathology after surgery per protocol.
7. I don't know how many stools I have per day. Not enough to bother me.
8. I don't use fiber supplements.
9. Typically I take two loperamide in the morning only.
10. No dietary restrictions although I voluntarily avoid certain things.
11. I had blockage after eating an entire apple. Now I eat such high-fiber foods in smaller quantity.
12. Sodas, chocolate, and juices go thru pretty quickly.
13. I avoid typical gas-causing foods such as cabbage and beans. I also sometimes feel bloated if I consume carbonated beverages.
14 . I can do anything I want. I go to the gym nearly every day. I hike, raft, kayak, and snowshoe just as I did before I beame ill with UC.
15. Overall. I LOVE MY JPOUCH!!!! I've returned to a pain-free, active lifestyle. :) :)
Also, I experience NO anal leakage or incontinence.
Joined Oct 20, 2009
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