Susan_f. Hi Susan, I'm going to ask for a quick detour from loop ileostomies to j-pouch abandonment. Diagnosed with Ulcerative Colitis (later changed to Crohn's) I had a colectomy, j-pouch for 30+ years, and now an ileostomy. All is well and functioning properly. My question to you, Susan - was your j-pouch actually removed or just disconnected and abandoned? The colo-rectal surgeon who unhooked mine mentioned to my wife, "he will probably want to get rid of the pouch some day." None of my doctors have brought it up. Apologies for the interruption everyone! Happy New Year!