FAQ's

Q.Is a pouch a permanent thing? ie: Does it last for the rest of your life?

A.We do not know. The oldest ileo-anal pouch is about 30 years old and so far so good! There is currently no research on this aspect, as the surgery is not old enough.

Q. As a new pouch owner I was told to drink squash rather than just water. As my pouch matures is it all right to drink more plain water?

A.Anyone with a pouch must drink extra fluid. Water is fine, but isotonic drinks (lucozade sport) or rehydration salts provide a little extra is you are prone to dehydration (ie; hot weather or sporty).

Q. What works for anal irritation and wind?

A.Certain foods can cause anal irritation coconut, oriental vegetables, but on the whole for good anal skin care, avoid rubbing with soap, wear cotton underwear and loose clothing. Wind is also caused by foodstuffs. It is helpful to lie on your tummy and rub downwards. The Kangaroo Club produces an "Anal Skin Care & Management of Anal Irritation" card and is available from Carol Johnston (address on newsletter).

Q. Are there any other pouch owners that are diabetic?

A. I am sure there are, but I am afraid I do not know who!

Q. Are there any side effects to ciprofloxacin? What would happen if I became resistant to it?

A. Yes, there are side effects to all anti-biotics. There are numerous anti-biotics which are used to treat pouchitis, ciprofloxacin is just one of them.

Q. I would like to know how many pouch owners there are in South Oxford, in particular how many in the Wantage area and what are their age ranges?

A. Unfortunately the information we keep on you all is classified, personal and confidential, we would therefore need each of you to give your permission before we could divulge this information, however we can tell you that there are currently 115 pouch owners with an Oxford address.

Q. Would it be profitable to have metal badges with the Kangaroo motif on to sell to pouch owners?

A. Yes, Enamel Single Blue Kangaroo Pin Badge £1.00 Available from Carol Johnston, Administrator, Kangaroo Club (address on newsletter).

Q. Suitable times to eat and times to take tables?

A. Try to eat regularly and at regular times. Avoid over eating at night.

Q. How do I control the use of my pouch throughout the night?

A. Always ensure you empty last thing. Try not to eat too much, too late. Some patients use a medeana catheter to ensure their pouch is totally empty, but this should only be done as a last resort.

Q. I would like to find something to use as a spray after I have opened my pouch as some times the smell if most offensive?

A. There are a number of ostomy deodorisers on the market that are available on prescription, but beware - these can cost less per item that the prescription charge!:-
Citrus Fresh by Pelican
Naturecare by Alphamed
Limone by Clinimed
Striking a match is also very good, as long as you are not in a hospital or near oxygen!

Q. Information about foods and additives?

A. There are numerous booklets available which discuss foodstuffs and Kangaroo Club leaflets, but little is known about additives and how this affects pouch function.

Q. Information about products on the market - creams, tablets eg; calcium with added lactose?

A. There is some research to suggest that a high sugar content speed up motility of the ileum increasing pouch activity. I have not heard of calcium with added lactose!

Q. Who is my Contact; did I see Angie Perrin when I had a stoma? Who can I turn to now, in times of difficulty?

A. Yes you probably did see Angie when you had a stoma. In most hospitals the Stoma Nurse sees Pouch Patients as well! In times of difficulties you can contact your local Stoma Care Department or us here at the John Radcliffe to discuss any worries you may have. If your problem is medical and urgent you may need to be referred to hospital via your GP.

Q. I am interested in statistical information about numbers of operations performed locally?

A. 200+ in Oxford during the last 5 years.

Q. How do you heal fissures around the anal area - it is almost impossible?

A. Anal fissures are extremely painful and difficult to heal. There is a product called GTN, but this needs to be recommended and prescribed by a Consultant Surgeon.

Q. Does anyone else have problems with their GP and stand in surgery's lack of knowledge of UC and pouch operation?

A. Yes, many pouch patients express a concern about the GP's lack of knowledge, however it is difficult for GP's to know all about everything. If it would help why not offer the Kangaroo Booklet for him to read or suggest he contact us for further advice.

Q. Should one be worried if blood appears in one's output at any time following the reversal operation?

A. If blood is continuous, then yes, but a small amount may be a result of straining when opening your pouch.

Q. How is the pouch stitched to the anus, with what and what happens to the stitches?

A. Nowadays the pouch is usually stapled onto the anus with titanium staples, which go to the grave with you!