Surgery and Recovery

If you have a stoma or J-pouch, there is something important you need to know about dehydration: Don’t assume that drinking more plain water is always the complete answer. Staying hydrated isn’t only about how much fluid you drink. It’s also about replacing the salts and electrolytes your body can lose. Without a colon, dehydration […]

Waiting for stoma surgery or J-pouch takedown can bring a lot of unknowns. One thing people are not always prepared for is what that very first output may be like after surgery. The first time you see it — and especially the first time you smell it — it can be a shock. It may

For many people living with a J-pouch, ileostomy, or ongoing bowel symptoms, loperamide can become a useful part of everyday life. You may know it by the brand name Imodium. For me, it has become one of the tools that helps me manage frequency, make output more predictable, and feel more confident about leaving the

I had a thought, a feeling about Feeling Normal after surgery. It seems like a natural thought to have after having a life changing surgery such as having a stoma or J-Pouch. How do you feel about yourself after the surgery? Are there worries in your head about being normal? Curing an illness is great,

Here are my Top 5 Tips that worked for me to combat the acid irritation that can come with  a new J-Pouch, also affectionately called Butt Burn. Tip one: Barrier Cream. This does exactly as it sounds. It creates a physical barrier in the form of cream between your skin and the acidic output.  This

Introduction Throughout my time living with ulcerative colitis and the surgeries that led to my J-Pouch, I’ve had multiple stays in hospital. I know how bright, noisy, and uncomfortable wards can be—especially when you’re feeling physically low but sharing space with others. You can read about my journey on my book here Whether you’re preparing

Living with a stoma changes how you use your bathroom — but with the right setup, you can make daily life easier, cleaner, and more comfortable. In this guide, I’ll share ideas covering bathroom products for stoma care, smell-proof bins, flexible mirrors, and more plus my J Award picks for must-have items. The links I’ve

⚠️ This post discusses intimacy and sex after IBD surgery. These are sensitive topics, but I believe in being open and honest, because they’re a real part of recovery and life after surgery. One of the most common worries people face after IBD surgery is body image. I certainly went through it myself. When I

Introduction If you’re reading this, chances are you’re facing a tough decision: whether to live with a stoma or to move forward with a J-pouch. I know how heavy that choice can feel, because I’ve been there myself. I lived with ulcerative colitis for 13 years, then with a stoma for just over a year,