Welcome to the IA Internal Pouch page, for current pouchies and those considering internal pouch surgery.
If you want to join our closed FB group for deeper discussions, come on over to IA Pouch Pals - https://www.facebook.com/groups/180259070327990 IA - Ileostomy and Internal Pouch Association, is a national charity providing mutual support which has the primary aim of helping people who have had their colon removed. It was started in 1956 by a group of people who had ileostomies themselves, together with some members of the medical profession. It was the first ostomy association in the United Kingdom and is a registered national charity (no. 234472). For a full history of the association visit www.iasupport.org
Certain inflammatory bowel diseases, e.g. Ulcerative Colitis and Crohn's disease, sometimes cause such considerable damage to a person's large intestine (colon) that it becomes necessary for a surgeon to remove it entirely. With a Brooke ileostomy, the lower end of the small intestine (ileum) is brought out through the abdominal wall, and the body's waste matter is collected in an externally attached bag. Alternatively, a patient who has Ulcerative Colitis may be able to choose to have an internal pouch, which involves the construction of a reservoir from a section of the ileum, after removal of the affected colon. Someone who has a pouch does not need to wear an external ileostomy appliance (bag). The Internal Pouch division of IA is chaired by the Pouch Group co-ordinator who serves on the association's Board to represent the interests of members with an internal pouch. It is the responsibility of this person to identify the needs of those members and ensure that IA is meeting those needs.
14/10/2025
IA’s Support Through Therapy programme offers counselling to help you navigate the emotional challenges of surgery and recovery.
Psychotherapeutic Gestalt Therapist Carrie Hellman, a fellow ostomate with a long history of ulcerative colitis, is one of our therapists offering support. Carrie is passionate about supporting those facing surgery and those recovering afterwards.
To find out more about IA’s Support Through Therapy programme, visit our website: iasupport.org/support-through-therapy
13/10/2025
Recovery after internal pouch surgery can be a slow and challenging process, and adjusting to life with an internal pouch takes time.
It's okay to feel frustrated at times, as healing is a journey and every step forward is progress.
IA is here to support you in a number of ways:
- Dedicated resources: Explore our website’s section specifically for those living with an internal pouch.
- Expert presentations: Watch videos from medical experts, nutritionists, and therapists on topics like managing pouchitis, nutrition, caring for your pouch, medication, and more.
- Informative leaflets: Download helpful leaflets directly from our website.
- Community support: Join our closed Facebook group for people considering having or living with an internal pouch.
- Personalised help: Access our One2One Support Volunteers or Support Through Therapy for emotional and practical guidance.
Remember, you are not on your own. We will support you every step of the way.
12/10/2025
We are delighted to announce that as part of Internal Pouch Awareness Month, the Internal Pouch Sub-Committee has generously offered to host an extra social Zoom session. Our sub-committee is made up of volunteers. They have experience of what life is like with an internal pouch, and they want to help as many people as they can to get the best quality of life as possible.
If you would like to attend the session, it will take place on Thursday 23rd October at 7:30pm. This is a great opportunity to connect with others who have an internal pouch, are considering surgery, or are supporting someone who does. The session is free to join and open to everyone, not just IA members. Advance registration is required to receive the Zoom link.
To register and find out more, please visit our website: pouch.iasupport.org/online-pouch-meetings
11/10/2025
Preparing for internal pouch surgery can feel overwhelming, especially when faced with fear of the unknown. It’s completely natural to feel anxious about the surgery, recovery, and what life might look like afterwards. But you don’t have to face these fears alone.
IA offers One2One Support through trained volunteers who have been in a similar situation to you. They understand first-hand what you are going through and can provide the support and reassurance you need.
Visit our website to learn more: iasupport.org/information-support/i-want-to-speak-to-someone
10/10/2025
This World Mental Health Day, we are highlighting the importance of mental health for everyone in our community, whether you are living with an ileostomy, an internal pouch, or you are supporting someone who is.
Mental health is just as important as physical health, and it’s okay to ask for help. IA’s ‘Support Through Therapy’ programme offers counselling to help you navigate the emotional challenges before and after surgery.
Visit our library of Internal Pouch videos featuring speakers from surgeons and stoma care nurses to counselling and nutrition advice and support.
pouch.iasupport.org/video-presentations
To learn more about how IA can support you, visit our website: iasupport.org/lets-talk
Remember, you are not alone. IA is here to support you every step of the way.
09/10/2025
We are delighted to announce that as part of Internal Pouch Awareness Month, the Internal Pouch Sub-Committee have generously offered to host an extra social Zoom session. Our sub-committee is made up of volunteers. They have experience of what life is like with an internal pouch, and they want to help as many people as they can to get the best quality of life as possible.
If you would like to attend the session, it will take place on Thursday 23rd October at 7:30pm. This is a great opportunity to connect with others who have an internal pouch, are considering surgery, or are supporting someone who does. The session is free to join and open to everyone, not just IA members. Advance registration is required to receive the Zoom link.
Help Shape Research for Colorectal Cancer Survivors.
A team of nutritionists, clinicians, dietitians, and biostatistics researchers from the Universities of Leeds and Newcastle is setting up a new research project called ‘Digital Cohort for Colorectal Cancer Survivors’, and you are invited to take part!
Why this project?
People living with cancer often tell researchers they want clear, personalised advice on food, fitness and symptom management. Digital tools, such as food-tracking apps, wearables and brief online check-ins, could make that support easier, but only if they are acceptable and useful to the people who will use them.
The goal of the project is to understand how lifestyle factors, such as diet and physical activity, affect long-term recovery and quality of life for people living beyond colorectal cancer. The researchers want to ensure every part of the project is clear, relevant and acceptable to the people who matter most: patients and carers.
If you have colorectal cancer you are invited to join a Public Involvement (PPI) workshop to share your experiences.
During the session, participants will be invited to:
- Share the challenges of your life
- Help choose which symptoms and outcomes the project should focus on first
- Suggest the best ways to reach and recruit people from different backgrounds
Workshop Details:
Date: 15th October
Time: 1-2pm. (approximately one hour)
Thank you: £25 voucher
No special knowledge is needed, just your experience and honest opinions.
If you would like to join or have questions, please contact Dr Sarah Jing Guo (s.j.guo@leeds.ac.uk).
This is a great opportunity to ensure the voices of people living with colorectal cancer are heard and to help improve life after cancer.
07/10/2025
Having an ileostomy or internal pouch doesn’t mean you have to settle for boring food!
We’re thrilled to announce the launch of our Recipes section on the website, with delicious meals to inspire you in the kitchen.
As the colder months approach, why not try one of our comforting recipes to keep you warm? We’ll be adding to this section regularly, so be sure to check back for more tasty ideas.
Do you have a favourite meal you enjoy? We would love to hear from you! Share it in the comments below.
You can find the recipes here: iasupport.org/recipes
06/10/2025
Do you suffer from a lack of sleep?
If so, you’ll know just how crucial a good night’s rest is for taking care of your physical and mental health. For those with an internal pouch, sleep can sometimes be interrupted by the need to empty it during the night. This can be frustrating and leave you feeling exhausted the next day.
Here are some simple tips to improve your sleep and help you feel more rested:
- Plan your meals and hydration: Try eating meals earlier in the evening and be mindful of fluid intake before bedtime. This may help reduce nighttime interruptions.
- Create a calming bedtime routine: Relaxing activities like reading or meditation can help you fall back asleep more easily if you wake up during the night.
- Listen to your body: Everyone’s experience is different, so finding what works best for you is key.
We’d love to hear from you: What’s worked for you when it comes to getting a better night’s rest?
05/10/2025
Staying hydrated the right way is essential. Did you know that drinking plain water alone can sometimes increase your risk of dehydration?
Here’s why:
When you lose fluids through frequent bowel movements, sweating, or vomiting, you’re not just losing water but also losing salts, known as electrolytes.
Drinking plain water replaces the water but not the salts, which can upset your body’s balance and lead to dehydration.
Instead, it’s important to replace both water and electrolytes.
Here’s how:
Make a homemade rehydration drink such as St. Mark’s Solution or Oxford Solution. Use electrolyte sachets, but for effective hydration, Mr Richard Lovegrove recommends you use them at double strength.
If you would like to learn more, download our 'Staying Hydrated' leaflet, which includes recipes for St. Mark’s Solution and Oxford Solution, as well as additional tips for managing hydration.
You can download the leaflet here:
iasupport.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/11/StayingHydrated.pdf
04/10/2025
Let’s talk about food and diet with an internal pouch.
Adjusting to life with an internal pouch often means rethinking your relationship with food.
Whilst there’s no ‘one-size-fits-all’ rule, many people find that some dietary adjustments are necessary, especially in the early stages.
For example:
- Some foods can speed up the passage of waste through your system.
- Others can thicken stool and slow down transit times.
It’s all about finding what works best for you, and that can take time.
Why not try keeping a food diary? Write down what you eat and how your body reacts. Over time, you may notice patterns and discover which foods your internal pouch tolerates well.
If there’s a food you love but couldn’t tolerate before, it might be worth trying again as your body adjusts.
We would love to hear from you:
- Have you discovered any surprising foods that your internal pouch loves (or doesn’t love)?
- Do you have any tips for managing dietary challenges?
Your experiences could make a real difference to someone else who may be struggling.
Thank you for taking the time to share your thoughts.
03/10/2025
What’s your go-to tip for staying hydrated or eating well with an internal pouch?
This week, as part of Internal Pouch Awareness Month, we’re focusing on hydration, nutrition and rest, all of which are essential for living well with an internal pouch.
We know that finding the right balance can be tricky, and discovering the right foods that work best for you can often feel like a journey.
We would love to hear from you:
- What is your favourite meal or snack that works well with your internal pouch?
- Do you have any tips for staying hydrated throughout the day?
- How do you prioritise rest and recovery?
- Your advice could make a real difference to someone reading this right now.
Share your tips in the comments below, or if you would prefer, send us a DM or email laura.bailey@iasupport.org, and we will create a post or story on our social media channels. Please let us know if you’re happy for us to use your first name in the post or if you would prefer to stay anonymous.
Address
IA National Office, Danehurst Court, 35-37 West Street Rochford SS41BE
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IA is a UK registered charity whose primary aim is to help people who have to undergo surgery for the creation of either an ileostomy or an ileoanal pouch.
It was started in 1956 by a group of people who had ileostomies themselves, together with some members of the medical profession. It was the first ostomy association in the United Kingdom and it is a registered charity: 1172338 (England and Wales) and SC048658 (Scotland). For a full history of the association click here.
Certain inflammatory bowel diseases, e.g. ulcerative colitis and Crohn's disease, sometimes cause such considerable damage to a person's large intestine (colon) that it becomes necessary for a surgeon to remove it entirely.
With a Brooke ileostomy, the lower end of the small intestine (ileum) is brought out through the abdominal wall, and the body's waste matter is collected in an externally attached bag.
Alternatively, a patient who has ulcerative colitis may be able to choose to have an internal pouch, which involves the construction of a reservoir from a section of the ileum, after removal of the affected colon. Someone who has a pouch does not need to wear an external ileostomy appliance (bag). People who have Crohn's disease cannot usually have an internal pouch.
According to NHS figures, over 9000 new ileostomies are created annually and in the Ileoanal Pouch Report (2017), over 400 new ileoanal pouches are created annually.
The Internal Pouch Group is chaired by the Pouch Group co-ordinator who serves on the association's Executive Committee to represent the interests of members with an internal pouch. It is the responsibility of this person to identify the needs of those members and ensure that IA is meeting those needs.
