J-Pouch Takedown Anniversary
Next month is my 5 year takedown anniversary for my j-pouch. I have stated many times that the j-pouch has a 94-96% success rate. But you don’t hear many success stories on the internet because most of them are out there living their lives and not boasting about it on the internet. Because you don’t hear a majority of the success stories out there, I feel compelled to keep sharing my own story of life with a j-pouch.
Success & Failure Stories
I have given a lot of thought to how I would address this year’s takedown anniversary. I thought it might be helpful for you to hear stories of other successful j-pouchers that you might be encouraged should you ever find yourself facing the prospect of surgery. Then I thought I’d be doing you a disservice if I only mentioned the successful stories. That’s when I thought it might be good to shed light on not only the good stories, but the not-so-good stories. You also need to hear about the j-pouch failure stories.
Introducing Dina
Dina was diagnosed with a severe case of Ulcerative Colitis which greatly affected her quality of life. After years of failed treatments, excessive weight loss and nutritional deficiencies (just to name a few), she had her colon surgically removed. The recovery was difficult and painful, but Dina views the experience as a source of strength and personal growth. Dina believes that surgery, while it isn’t a cure, saved and improved her life. She enjoys reading, music and exercise. You can read more about Dina on her website!
Q: When were you Diagnosed with IBD?
A: September 2009.
Q: What medications did you try?
A: I tried everything: Pentasa, Prednisone, Imuran, Methotrexate, Remicade, Simponi, Prograf, Entocort, Flagyl, Cipro, and Entyvio.
Q: How did you get to the point of surgery?
A: I got so many side effects including deep vein thrombosis, pulmonary embolism & pneumonia. I lost 15 kgs and I was in a very serious condition.
Q: How many surgeries did you have?
A: 3 surgeries.
Q: When did you start feeling like you had your life back?
A: After I had my first surgery.
Q: Are you happy with your J-Pouch?
A: YES Ma’am!
Q: If you had to do it all over again, would you?
A: YES in a heartbeat.
Q: Were you told that surgery would “cure” you?
A: No, my surgeon kept saying that It won’t be a cure but my quality of life will improve after the surgery and he was SO right.
Q: Do you feel like you have a better quality of life living without your sick colon?
A: Yes, of course… I am way better without my colon.
Q: Is there anything else you’d like other patients to know about your experience with UC and/or a j-pouch?
A: Yes, I was so afraid of surgery and I couldn’t imagine the idea of getting an ileostomy bag. I thought back then that people won’t understand and they are gonna make fun of me. I kept saying no until I was diagnosed with so many life threating conditions and surgery was the only option to save my life. Please don’t be afraid of having these surgeries like I did. It was the best decision I have ever made and I got my life back. I wish I had this surgery earlier… And please always find people who have the same illness and share your thoughts and fear with, that’s what helped me to get over my fears. They will understand you like no one else… The support I got from the IBD community saved my life and am forever thankful for them.
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A huge thank you to Dina for sharing her story with me. I followed Dina’s journey through illness and surgery. She’s strong, beautiful and is a fierce IBD Ninja! You should consider getting to know her.
To read more j-pouch stories, check out the links below!
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