Category Archives: Ileostomy

J-Pouch FAQ

Posted on November 2, 2012 by Ben

Quick update: My wife and baby are doing great, and we’re adjusting to the new normal of having a baby at home. I have not yet rescheduled my takedown surgery, but am aiming for some time next year. In the … Continue reading →

Posted in Ileostomy, Surgery | 2 Comments

“Official Report: No leaks; no stricture”

Posted on June 26, 2012 by Ben

That was the email from my surgeon this afternoon following my pouchogram.  Good news. Now all I have to do is have the surgery. For those new to Know Guts, a pouchogram is contrast X-ray used to detect leaks or other … Continue reading →

Posted in Ileostomy, J-Pouch, Surgery, Ulcerative Colitis | Tagged , , , | 1 Comment

No More Hems and Haws

Posted on June 24, 2012 by Ben

Yesterday, I went whitewater rafting on my company’s annual trip.  I’ve done this trip a bunch of times over the years, but this time was different.  This was my first trip without a colon and—more importantly—with an ileostomy.  I was … Continue reading →

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Getting Ready for Surgery

Posted on June 22, 2012 by Ben

I had my final pre-op appointment with my surgeon today.  We talked about the procedure.  My concerns.  Her concerns.  In light of the problems last time, rather than just jump right in and do the takedown, she’s going to take … Continue reading →

Posted in Ileostomy, J-Pouch, Surgery, Ulcerative Colitis | Tagged , , , | 1 Comment

The Optimistic Route

Posted on June 15, 2012 by Ben

As my surgery date approaches, I’ve continued to waffle about what to do or whether to go through with it at all.  I know I need to do something.  My current loop ileostomy is not a permanent solution.  It will … Continue reading →

Posted in Ileostomy, J-Pouch, Surgery, Ulcerative Colitis | Tagged , , , | 2 Comments

Taking Steps

Posted on June 10, 2012 by Ben

Yesterday was the Take Steps for Crohn’s and Colitis walk in San Francisco.  I was grateful to participate (last year I was too sick), and we had a lot of fun.  There were a ton of people there, including lots … Continue reading →

Posted in Ileostomy, J-Pouch, Surgery, Ulcerative Colitis | Tagged , , , | 2 Comments

Decisions, Decisions

Posted on June 5, 2012 by Ben

It’s been awhile since my last real update.  Healthwise, I’m doing pretty well.  The stoma skin issues I was having have resolved (debriding agent and calcium alginate really works wonders), and I haven’t had any recent complications.  But life keeps … Continue reading →

Posted in Ileostomy, J-Pouch, Surgery, Uncategorized | Tagged , , , | 8 Comments

Stoma Stories, Episode 17: I Told You So

Posted on April 11, 2012 by Ben

As predicted, the new ostomy appliance we decided to try to assist with the healing of the newly formed hole in my skin near my stoma failed.  I’m not sure when it started it leaking, though I suspect it was … Continue reading →

Posted in Complications, Ileostomy, J-Pouch, Stoma Stories, Ulcerative Colitis | Tagged , , | 1 Comment

Stoma Stories, Episode 16: The Hole Truth (GRAPHIC PHOTOS)

Posted on April 8, 2012 by Ben

In an unwelcome development, after months of smooth sailing, an issue has developed on the skin surrounding my stoma.  More specifically, a hole has suddenly appeared.  About a week ago, I noticed some minor skin irritation and a slight divot … Continue reading →

Posted in Ileostomy, J-Pouch, Stoma Stories | Tagged , , | 19 Comments

Where Things Stand

Posted on April 8, 2012 by Ben

On March 30, I had a clinic visit with my surgeon.  It was the first time I’ve seen her (or any doctor) this year, which is pretty amazing.  The purpose of the visit was to go over the results of the … Continue reading →

Posted in Ileostomy, J-Pouch, Surgery, Ulcerative Colitis | Tagged , , , | 1 Comment