J-Pouch Possibility

[Wrangler]

I was diagnosed with Crohn's at a young age and underwent surgery where I received an illeostosmy and was told by my doctors that this would be permanent. I have gone 5 years without any medications or any sign of disease. Im just curious as to whether I could possibly receive a J-pouch. I was told at the time of surgery that my colon and rectum were removed but I still have an anal canal (and possible portions of rectum) that travels at least 4 to 5 inches within. This gives me the thought that perhaps I could get a J pouch and my doctors just didn't want to perform the procedure because I have crohn's rather than ulcerative colitis. Does anyone have any experience or knowledge on this?

PS: I am more than willing to alter diet, I just really want to make everything internal if possible

 

[shazz]

Hi Wrangler. Welcome to the forum.
I have got UC. Being tested for possible Crohns as well. I have been told that if I have got Crohns as well I will not be able to have the j-pouch as the Crohns will affect it in the future. I think they connect it all with your terminal ilieum and that is where most people have Crohns related problems.
I am sure some of the more knowing members will be able to give you more info.
Sharon xxxxx

 

[Wrangler]

Thanks so much, I was diagnosed with Crohn's because one colonoscopy showed a tiny bit of inflammation in the terminal ileum before surgery. For the most part the disease was centered around the colon though. I have had one instance of perianal disease as well that resulted in a fistula post surgery as well if that changes anything. But given that I have taken no medication and had no disease in the small intestine for 5 years running I feel as though perhaps i can reclaim a few simple pleasures like swimming by going for the J pouch (if possible).

 

[Terriernut]

What are the surgeons saying about this?

Honey, we swim just fine with stomas.
http://www.crohnsforum.com/forumdisplay.php?f=46

Tegaderm is fabulous...

Come on over and have a look at that forum.

 

[Ian]

Hi and welcome .

From what you've described, a j pouch sounds physically possible as I believe you have everything in tact that's required for it to be connected (you just need your anal canal/sphincter muscles as far as I'm aware). Whether or not a surgeon would be willing to do one given your crohns diagnosis is a different matter, but 5 years with no disease returning is great. Hopefully there's no reason to expect it to ever come back. Still, the j pouch seems to be a grey area. You'll probably be told that the likelihood of the disease returning will increase dramatically with a pouch, but you might be hard-pressed to find out WHY this is the case. I've never heard a particularly great explanation for why moving your small bowel a few inches and hooking it up to your and increases the odds of the disease returning, compared to having an ileostomy. Maybe it's a question to ask! Good luck if decide to pursue it .