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 o...

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, sim...

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 suzannellafleur@gm...

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, Bo...

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 suzannellafleur@gma...

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 lif...

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 suzannellafleur@gmail.com .

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 aweigpickering@gmail.com . Please help...

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 top...

Be the squeaky wheel - you are worth every squeak! Nowadays, with health care being so taxed, it isn't easy to be heard sometimes. Being ill gives us one responsibility: educating ourselves about our illness, our bodies, and what we need to stay healthy. No one knows you better than you do, so speak up and be your best advocate! If you would like to share your journey with Ulcerative Colitis, Croh...

When I was first told what my surgeries would entail, I knew that having an ileostomy would be the most challenging part of the process for me. After a few reality checks and some conversations with myself, I decided to embrace the knowledge I could absorb from this moment in my life. Since I was to have a stoma for a while, I would learn to take care of it, appreciate it, and become friends with...

When you're informed that your condition has advanced significantly and that you'll need major surgeries to create a J-Pouch, it can be overwhelming. The uncertainty of what lies ahead is unsettling. In this episode, I share my journey through the initial surgery and what it felt like to wake up with an ostomy. If you would like to share your journey through gastrointestinal disease, J-Pouch feel...

I have lived with a J-Pouch for the past 19 years. For those who don't know what a J-Pouch is, listen on! You will know what it is once I'm done with you today. To my fellow J-Pouchers, join me in spreading knowledge through open conversation. Please email me at suzannellafleur@gmail.com to share your story.