Over 30 years of lived experience
The comprehensive guide to the UC to J-Pouch journey
Written by someone who has lived with ulcerative colitis and a J-Pouch for over 30 years — and found a way to live fully again
14 years with UC
3 surgeries
Over 16 years with a J-Pouch
Only comprehensive resource of its kind
The J-Pouch Handbook
A Comprehensive Guide for Patients and Families
A Comprehensive, practical guide to the UC and FAP surgical journey — from the moment surgery enters the conversation, through colectomy, building the J-pouch, takedown, and the years of life that follow. Honest, balanced, and written for patients, families, and the healthcare professionals who support them.
- Making the decision & surgical options
- Colectomy and stoma life
- Building the J-pouch & takedown
- Ongoing J-pouch problems, solved
- Building your new normal
- Tools for every appointment
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BOOKS FROM POUCH HEALS
Real experience. Real recovery.
Ulcerative Colitis: Generations Apart
A true story of family, resilience, and healing — from diagnosis to life after surgery.
“I bought and read your book and it was wonderful. I have lent it to a few loved ones to help them understand having UC and going through the process of these surgeries.” — Pouch Heals viewer
Living with a J Pouch: A Short Survivor’s Guide
A practical lived-experience guide to everyday life with a J-Pouch — tips, reassurance, and perspective.
“Well written and great overview of living with IBD.” — Amazon Kindle reader, United States
Other Amazon Market Places are available. Affiliate links used.
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STAGE 1
New to UC or IBD?
Understanding your diagnosis, treatment options, and what living with IBD really means for your day to day life.
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STAGE 2
Facing surgery?
Understanding your options, preparing your body and mind, and knowing what to expect from each operation.
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STAGE 3
In early recovery?
Practical tips for the first weeks and months — butt burn, training your pouch, food, sleep, and restoring confidence.
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STAGE 4
Living with a J-Pouch?
Long-term confidence, travel, exercise, diet, and real stories from someone over 16 years into the journey.
LATEST FROM THE BLOG
From the blog
- Stoma Emergency Kit: What You Should Always CarryLiving with a stoma usually means getting on with life, doing the things you enjoy and, most of the time, not having to think too much about your bag. However, it also means being prepared for the occasional moment when things do not quite go to plan. A stoma bag might begin to leak because… Read more: Stoma Emergency Kit: What You Should Always Carry
- Getting a Stoma? Why Stoma Positioning Matters Before SurgeryGetting a Stoma? Why Positioning Matters Before Surgery If you are going to have a stoma, where it ends up on your tummy might seem like a fairly small detail compared with the surgery itself. But afterwards, you could be looking at, emptying and changing a stoma bag around that position every single day. That… Read more: Getting a Stoma? Why Stoma Positioning Matters Before Surgery
- A Complete J-Pouch Guide for Patients and FamiliesA book a year in the making — and now, what may be one of the most comprehensive guides to the J-Pouch journey available. The J-Pouch Handbook – A Comprehensive Guide for Patients and Families was created to bring the whole journey together in one place: from ulcerative colitis and the decision for surgery, through ileostomy… Read more: A Complete J-Pouch Guide for Patients and Families
YOUTUBE
Pouch Heals on YouTube
Real stories, practical tips, and honest conversations about life after UC and J-Pouch surgery — covering every stage of the journey in video.