J-pouch Life

I think many people feel a natural inclination toward not wanting to bother other people, to put them out of their way, to cause them any inconvenience. Being sick has changed this inclination somewhat. Perhaps some of you reading this post do not have UC yourself but are close to someone who does and you [...]

Be sure to stop by Steph’s page, she has just updated her surgery photos now that she is one month out of surgery!    http://ucstory.wordpress.com/surgery-photos-stephanie-l/

Time to put some of that psychology book-learnin’ to work! Coping is an area where I’ve done some research (primarily in regards to coping with cancer) and is certainly something I’ve thought about lots over the last few months. I’ve gotten lots of comments regarding my lack of complaining and generally upbeat attitude through the [...]

Please WELCOME our NEW GUEST BLOGGER, Jenelle! Mark and I are excited that Jenelle is joing us online.  She is bringing all her personal expertise of living her life with no colon, her experience with emergency surgery and getting a Ph.D in Psychology.    Please visit her page here Jenelle’s Story  and expect to see posts [...]

AN interesting article from a recent study that connects IBD patients to higher risk of Depression like symptoms (anxiety, panic attacks, etc..)  Check out the article here:  IBD and Depression Article  The good thing is that there are many ways to address all the symptoms of IBD including the emotional and psychological repercussions now.

Mark and I have been so busy lately that we haven’t been able to focus tons of the blog lately.  We plan to be more settled by the first of the year and be back to our normal blogging selves. Do you ever feel like your in a storm that will not stop?  The last few [...]

I figure if you are visiting our blog, then you are more than likely facing some serious health issues, health issues of a loved one, and so on.  I am totally comfortable admitting that I had to seek lots of coping tools during the years Mark was so sick and our life was really difficult.  [...]

These excellent 4 part illustrations from John Hopkins Colon Cancer Center clearly explain the Restorative Proctocolectomy (Ileoanal Pouch Procedure) that Mark had.  The surgery is also called IPAA for short, and the Ileoanal Pouch is the long name for Jpouch. Hopefully, these clear drawings will help you understand the procedure, and the John Hopkins Colon Cancer [...]