These powerful excerpts from Phillip Van Hooser's interview discuss his diagnosis, the reality of living with ulcerative colitis as well as his decision to choose proctocolectomy surgery. These excerpts also discuss living with an ileostomy and Phil's quality of life after j pouch surgery and inflammatory bowel disease.
I have a 23 year old pouch and am certain that discomfort increases with years. Small intestine is not meant to hold waste and bacteria of the colon and physiological changes slowly occur. Surgeons should be taking more notice of this. From my first hand experience, J-pouch surgery is wonderful and a life saver, but should be a last resort, especially for younger children who will be coping with discomfort later in life.
BobdobsBob 1 year ago