The attached “Diary” and “Food Toleration Chart”, was written with the idea and purpose of giving potential Ilea Pouch patients, and their medical support teams an informative, and light hearted insight into what can be expected after undergoing the necessary surgery.
Obviously every person is unique, and can react in different ways, to certain foods, and will be undergoing the surgery from varying levels of fitness etc, but if nothing else these documents show how one particular individual has dealt with the first 70 days of life after the formation of an ilea pouch.
This diary was inspired by some of the articles in the Quarterly Journals of the “Ileostomy Association” and also the very readable, comforting, and informative booklet written by Dick O’Grady entitled “ Is that a new pouch you’ve got or do you always walk like that?” which I reckon should be made required reading for everyone who is considering a “Pouch” operation. I certainly could relate to a lot of the circumstances and situations outlined by Dick, and are very grateful that I received an advance copy of the booklet before my surgery.
I appreciate that as at the time of writing this diary I have had very limited experience of my new pouch, and have been fortunate so far not to have suffered any set-backs, but all new “Pouchies” are entering uncharted territory, and whilst a lot of Ileostomists have already come to terms with the “plastic bag” solution to their condition, it could be useful to them to be aware of how things are likely to be during the first month or so of life with an ilea pouch, should they wish, and be fortunate enough, to be able to exercise that option.
“Adrian Vole” 19th February 2001.