What it’s Like Having a J Pouch

Some people wonder what having a J pouch is like. If you get this at different ages, you may talk to people about this. J pouch surgery is done in multiple steps, usually 2 or 3 in most cases, and usually is done with a colorectal surgeon locally.  Usually, these surgeons also have experience in doing this. But if you’re pressed for wondering what it’s like having a J pouch, keep reading on. 

No More Bathrooms 

A lot of times initially people feel the fullness within the J pouch initially, and some discomfort, but usually it’s not as bad as it would be if not treated. Ulcerative colitis does make going to the bathroom uncomfortable, and usually, after the J pouch, it soon becomes a memory. 

Usually, the surgery also goes on for an extensive period of time, where you get a temporary ileostomy in some cases, and usually you’re out of work for at least 6 weeks to recover. You also will have scarring, since it’s common with surgery. However, if you take prednisone beforehand, you probably will not fully heal from this. Many times, people struggle with tapering off of this before the initial step, because it would cause UC bleeding for people. 

A scar will not fully heal in this case if you are taking it, but it’s a small price. 

Ostomy isn’t Bad 

If you’ve dealt with years of diarrhea and are worried about ostomies, don’t worry. An ileostomy will offer you freedom again instead of anxiety of when to use the bathroom. 

You just empty out the ostomy pouch when full, and you don’t even need to change your wardrobe. At first you might be a bit limited with foods, but you can eat quite a bit, and you also can put on weight too after this.  You definitely will also learn how to do this too, without blowout or anything embarrassing happening. 

At first, changing the appliance might be complex, but it does get easier, and soon your stoma is just an extension of the body.  If you think about it too much, it may seem weird, but over time, you’ll be able to live. Without this ostomy though, the dysplasia and the polyps may’ve resulted in colon cancer, and something worse over time. 

Your nurse will also help you with dealing with this, and they’ll even help to determine soma placement. In emergency instances, the stoma may be placed where it is best, but if you have preparation time, take advantage of it. Be honest about the lifestyle so that they know what you do, your clothes you wear, and the best place to put this stoma. Anatomy does play a part in it as well, since muscles do become different, and the stoma may not be in the best place.  Things are better, and the ET nurse will make sure it’s correct too. 

Being Normal 

After you’ve had a J pouch for a while, you notice that it isn’t too bad, and you might wonder whether or not you need it, but it’s not as bad as the first one, with a shorter recovery time, and less pain meds. 

It definitely does feel different, and you do need to empty it more, but it’s not as bad. It also is not as bad as UC. The bowel movements might be differ too, more painful for some. However this is actually a result of certain foods, especially spicy and fried foods, which irritate the bowels. It’s a learning process, and don’t forget that about this too.