Living–and living well–after a j-pouch procedure is not only possible but very common. The keys are to be patient with yourself as you gain experience and to follow our tried-and-true J-pouch success tips. With a little time and proper ileal pouch education, you’ll soon retrain your body and become comfortable with new routines.
It’s important to remember that, once you learn to manage daily activities with your J-pouch, you’ll feel better, and be healthier, than you were before the procedure (when you were dealing with severe ulcerative colitis symptoms). Here are expert tips for success after your ileal pouch-anal anastomosis surgery, both from the leading BCIR (Barnett Continent Intestinal Reservoir) and Kock Pouch surgeon and from patients with daily, practical experience using the J-pouch:
Tips for decreasing the number of bowel movements (especially at night, when it can interrupt healthy sleep) include:
It’s crucial to choose an expert ileostomy specialist to help you select the proper procedure and perform it flawlessly. Your trusted surgeon and his staff will guide you through the process of recovery–and help you learn to become completely comfortable with your ileostomy. Contact the Los Angeles offices of Dr. Don Schiller to learn more about J-pouch options. Call 323-472-9931 today.