Support for Ileo-Anal and
J-Pouch Surgery Patients
The Calgary Ostomy Society is dedicated to providing support for individuals considering, undergoing, or recovering from ileo-anal or J-Pouch surgeries. We offer valuable information and guidance before, during, and after surgery, encouraging patients to share ideas and rehabilitation methods. Our community also emphasizes the importance of humour in overcoming the challenges posed by this life-changing surgery.
J-Pouch Support programming includes:
– The Ostomy & J-Pouch Virtual Support Group (last Tuesday every month)
– Ostomy Visitor Program – see below
Persons with a J-Pouch in Calgary are always welcome at our events. We hope you will become a member and join our community!
A Brief History
In the 1990s, the Ileoanal Support Group was formed as a group under the Calgary Ostomy Society. Later, it became independent and met at the Co-op downtown as the Calgary Area J-Pouch Support Group. Recently, the group rejoined the Calgary Ostomy Society. We now hold the Ostomy & J-Pouch Support Group meetings via Zoom on the last Tuesday every month. These sessions include a dedicated breakout group for J-Pouch-specific support. This change was partly due to a lack of volunteers to facilitate the group. Additionally, both ileostomy and J-Pouch patients face common issues like malabsorption and dehydration, making combined support beneficial.
Understanding the J-Pouch
There are several variations of the ileo-anal pouch , including:
– The Parks Pouch
– Ileo Anal Anastomosis (Reservoir)
– Pelvic Pouch
– J-Pouch
– S-Pouch
– W-Pouch
– Ileoanal Pull-Through or Straight Pull-Through (Pediatric Patients)
The J-Pouch is the most common surgery performed in Calgary hospitals for those who have a colectomy and are eligible for ostomy reversal.
Join Our Community
Our society is committed to helping you on your journey, whether you’re considering surgery, currently undergoing it, or living with an ileo-anal or J-Pouch. Join our Zoom meetings to exchange ideas, gain support, and find the humor needed to thrive after surgery. We also have a private Facebook group, JPouch Calgary.
For more information on our support groups and resources, visit our website or contact us directly. Together, we can make this challenging experience a little easier and a lot more manageable.
Ostomy Visitor Program
Connect with a Certified Ostomy Visitor for Personal Support Post-Surgery!
Have you, or someone under your care, recently undergone ostomy or j-pouch surgery? Engage directly with a Certified Ostomy Visitor for specialized support. Our visiting coordinator facilitates both self-referrals and patient referrals, guaranteeing a thoughtful pairing with a visitor who has undergone similar surgical experiences and shares a comparable demographic background—whether it be ileostomy, colostomy, urostomy, j-pouch, or reversal. This personalized interaction offers customized advice and support, aiding in your recovery process.
Request A Visitor
Useful Links
Here you will find a list of links, in no particular order, that you may find helpful.
- Ileoanal Anastomosis (J-pouch) Surgery – Mayo Clinic
– Surgery for Crohn’s & Colitis – Crohn’s & Colitis Canada
– J-Pouch Facts – United Ostomy Association of America
– J-Pouch.org – Online Forum
