A J-Pouch is a Journey... with Pit Stops

The notorious ‘butt burn’ we face after J-Pouch surgery is no small matter. If you have a J-Pouch, you know exactly what I’m talking about. I never imagined I’d be having open conversation about this with people I’ve never even met, yet here I am! This podcast is here to help you find ways to manage it — until that burn is just a memory. You can do this!

If there’s a topic you’d like me to cover or if you’re interested in joining me to share your own story, please feel free to reach out at

For years, I couldn’t understand why I was dealing with intense joint, tendon, and tissue pain. I felt like I was managing an arthritic condition, along with Crohn’s and my J-Pouch. I also struggled with brain fog and extreme fatigue. Then, with my new GI specialist’s help, we found that due to my J-Pouch I am not hydrating properly, even with the electrolytes that I take daily. Lo and behold, simple implementation of saline infusions significantly reduced these problems!

This podcast dives into some of the unexplained issues we face as J-Pouchers. It’s on us to keep advocating for ourselves until we find the answers that allow us to live as healthily as possible.

I have returned to discuss more about J-Pouch surgery, the recovery after the take down procedure, and the significance of seeking support during our illnesses and surgical experiences. While it can be challenging to persevere at times, we can overcome this together!

Jeff, from Lancaster, Ohio, received his J-Pouch surgeries from February to November last year. He joined me today to talk about his journey through Ulcerative Colitis, his J-Pouch surgeries, and how he is now managing his new J-Pouch with intermittent fasting and proper nutrition. If you would like to share your story through bowel disease, or J-Pouch, please reach out to me at [email protected].

I am back at it after taking time for self care! We all go through stressful times in our lives that require us to prioritize. When you have an autoimmune disease and you are chronically unwell it is very important to prioritize yourself in times of stress in order to avoid further illness and flares. If you would like to share your journey through life with Ulcerative Colitis, Crohn's Disease, Bowel Cancer, J-Pouches please contact me at [email protected].

Troy from California took the time to sit with me to talk about his journey through Ulcerative Colitis as a teenager. From diagnosis to dating to competing in Ironman competitions with a J-Pouch as an adult. I am delighted to share these stories of fortitude and positivity! If you would like to share your journey through gastrointestinal disease, or J-Pouch please contact me at [email protected].

Chris, a Westjet Encore pilot from Calgary, Canada, joined me today to talk about his J-Pouch journey and his return to work after two years at home. He candidly discussed his diagnosis, his surgical journey amid Covid, his mental health throughout his journey, and his return to work. If you would like to share your journey through Ulcerative Colitis, Crohn's Disease, Bowel Cancer resulting in life with a J-Pouch, please get in touch with me via email at [email protected].

Along with our J-Pouch comes issues with sleep and nighttime accidents. I had the pleasure of speaking with Paul from Scotland regarding his journey and how he has managed life and employment through lack of sleep and nighttime accidents. If you would like to share your journey through gastrointestinal disease with a J-Pouch, please feel free to contact me at [email protected].

Amy, from Albuquerque, New Mexico, shares her story about J-Pouch surgery in the 1990s and another J-Pouch surgery in 2018. What a journey! I am thrilled to share this positive and informed woman's journey with you today. If you are facing a second J-Pouch journey and would like to reach out to Amy, she would be happy to speak with you. You can contact her at [email protected]. Please help us to continue the conversation about gastrointestinal disease by subscribing and sharing! To share your journey through Ulcerative Colitis, Crohn's Disease, or bowel cancer, you can contact me at [email protected].

For young ladies living with gastrointestinal diseases, which might require a J-Pouch or Ileostomy in the future, there seems to be that looming question, "Will I be able to have children?" Steph from Australia and Jennifer from Ohio joined me for a candid conversation about pregnancy and childbirth in all stages of gastrointestinal illness or surgery. If you have any further questions on this topic, please get in touch with me at [email protected].