Jay is the author of the the BCIR Advocate blog and the book, "Colitis Be Gone." In 1998, I decided to have the BCIR (Barnett Continent Intestinal Reservoir) surgery due to severe colitis. My day job is working in media and marketing, so I felt I had the tools to bring some exposure to BCIR and how it might help others. I actually get many emails about the BCIR, so I felt the blog could work as a better message board. Please note, I am not a doctor and have no medical background. Anything you read on this blog is based on my own experiences living with the BCIR. I may give advice based on my own experiences, but please consult your doctor before acting on anything you read on this site.
So I just thought I would give a 17 year follow up since I had the BCIR procedure or Barnett Continent Intestinal Reservoir. I think it’s been 17 years, maybe a little longer; I vow to one day look up the actual date so I know for sure. Honestly folks, I have no issues to report. The BCIR has treated ... Read More »
So how often do you, as a BCIR patient, change your stoma pad/ bandage/ dressing? Personally, I will change mine every time I use the restroom. Whether it’s a No.1 or a No.2, I just change it out as there is almost always at least a small amount of moisture on the pad. If the pad is even slightly wet, ... Read More »
When it comes to discussing pouchitis, I cringe a little because it is one of the few (yet sometimes common), annoying and often painful issues with the BCIR. Although my bouts with pouchitis have lessened over the years, I thought I’d list some of the signs of pouchitis in a short summary. From my experience, here is a list of ... Read More »
Now I know this blog title has peaked your curiosity! Though I believe I touched on this topic in previous posts, I wanted to remind one of the possibility of stress dreams. You know what I mean, when you constantly dream all night that you forgot to do something important. For instance; forgot to study for a test you didn’t ... Read More »
I found it’s fun to create code words for my catheter. Catheter just sounds too medical, gross, and weird. Also, if I’m out and about, I don’t need to alert the public I’m carrying a catheter if I need to reference it when chatting to my girlfriend. Instead, I might say, “…dear, I have to go to the car to ... Read More »
I really like my dairy, and although cheese never gives me any problems, milk and ice cream will give me some mild gas pretty quick. This is just my experience, it could be totally unrelated to the BCIR, but rather a mild lactose issue. I’ve also noticed over the years, the bloating related to diary has lessened over the years. ... Read More »
BCIR Advocate Living with the Barnett Continent Intestinal Reservoir