## BMC IPAA Center Resources

### Strengthening Your Sphincter Muscles

Sphincter muscles help control bowel function and are an important component to maintaining bowel control after the IPAA procedure. As with other muscles, exercise is important to strengthening and toning your sphincter muscles.

Linda Alexander, a certified wound and ostomy nurse at the BMC Ileal Pouch–Anal Anastomosis (IPAA) Center, discusses how to perform pelvic floor exercises that are designed to strengthen and tone the sphincter muscles:

[Download: Pelvic Floor Exercises (PDF)](https://www.bmc.org/sites/default/files/Patient_Care/Specialty_Care/Gastroenterology/Patient_Information/field_Attachments/Pelvic-floor-exercises-ipaa.pdf "BMC IPAA Center: Pelvic Floor Exercises Handout (PDF)")

### Fiber and Your IPAA

It is important to pay attention to the amount of fiber in your diet after each step of your IPAA surgery. Learn more about the two types of fiber and how to add fiber into your diet after your IPAA.

If you are concerned about your nutritional needs after an IPAA, ask your primary care physician about a referral to BMC’s [Nutrition and Weight Management Program](/departments/nutrition-and-weight-management "Nutrition and Weight Management Program | Boston Medical Center"), where a registered dietitian can help you with meal planning.

[Download: Fiber and Your IPAA (PDF)](/sites/default/files/Patient_Care/Specialty_Care/Gastroenterology/Patient_Information/field_Attachments/Fiber-and-your-IPAA.pdf "BMC IPAA Center: Fiber and Your IPAA (PDF)")

### Postoperative IPAA Diary

It is important for your physician to know how your body functions after your IPAA. You can use this diary to keep track of your bowel movements, diet, fiber, and loperamide use:

[Download: Postoperative IPAA Diary (PDF, single-sided format)](https://www.bmc.org/sites/default/files/Patient_Care/Specialty_Care/Gastroenterology/Patient_Information/field_Attachments/Post-Op-IPAA-Diary-SingleSided.pdf "BMC IPAA Center: Post-Ileostomy Closure Diary (PDF, single-sided format)")

[Download: Postoperative IPAA Diary (PDF, double-sided format)](https://www.bmc.org/sites/default/files/Patient_Care/Specialty_Care/Gastroenterology/Patient_Information/field_Attachments/Post-Op-IPAA-Diary-DoubleSided.pdf "BMC IPAA Center: Post-Ileostomy Closure Diary (PDF, double-sided format)")

## Outside Resources

*Please note that medical concerns should be addressed by your healthcare professional. We do not guarantee any information listed on the sites to be medically accurate, nor do we suggest you use forums for medical purposes.*

### Firsthand Accounts of the IPAA Procedure

The [United Colon Vlog](https://yarnutopia.com/tag/colitis/ "Tags: Colitis | YARNutopia & More Blog (yarnutopia.com)") contains video and written diaries of two young patients who underwent the IPAA procedure for treatment of their inflammatory bowel diseases. Nadia and Dennis share their personal accounts of living with IBD, the stages of their surgeries (including ostomy tips), and how having an IPAA has affected their lives. The United Colon Vlog provides an insider’s perspective for patients contemplating IPAA surgery.

### Pouch Support

The [J-Pouch Group](http://www.j-pouch.org/ "The J-Pouch Group (j-pouch.org)") is a web community founded by William Johnson, a patient who underwent the IPAA procedure. This community is entirely dedicated to providing information and support regarding ileal pouch–anal anastomosis. Information found on this site includes a step-by-step explanation of the j-pouch procedure, an overview of the digestive system, easy to follow dietary advice, and a Q&A on issues that arise both before and after the procedure.

### Ostomy Support

- The [American Cancer Society’s Ileostomy Guide](https://www.cancer.org/treatment/treatments-and-side-effects/physical-side-effects/ostomies/ileostomy.html "About Ileostomies | American Cancer Society (cancer.org)") is aimed at helping patients gain a better understanding of the difference between IPAA and ileostomies, how they affect the normal digestive system, and the changes they bring to daily life. In addition, this site features helpful advice on ileostomy management, including stoma care, pouch systems, and solutions to common ostomy problems, as well as tips on returning to normal activities.
- The [Gay & Lesbian Ostomates](https://www.fowusa.org/about-us/ "About Us | Friends of Ostomates Worldwide — USA (FO-USA) (fowusa.org)") website addresses the unique needs of gay ostomates.
- The [Ostomy Association of Boston](http://www.bostonoab.org/ "Ostomy Association of Boston (bostonoab.org)") is a resource for patients who have, or will have, an ostomy. With support meetings throughout the greater Boston area, patients can come together to learn, exchange ideas, and offer emotional support. Patients, family, friends, and caregivers can become members of the OAB for a small fee. The OAB’s Ostomy Resource Guide explains the different ostomy procedures and care options.
- The [United Ostomy Associations of America](https://www.ostomy.org/ "United Ostomy Associations of America, Inc. (UOAA) (ostomy.org)") is an association of affiliated support groups committed to improving the quality of life of people with ostomies and other intestinal and urinary diversions. The UOAA website contains helpful information on how to care for an ostomy and provides listings of area support groups. The site also features an active, thriving discussion board. The UOAA guidebook explains each step of the IPAA procedure in detail and contains helpful postoperative advice.
- Traveling with an ostomy and afraid of getting a bit-too-thorough pat-down? Patients with medical conditions (such as an ostomy) can present [a card](https://www.ostomy.org/ostomy-travel-and-tsa-communication-card/ "Air Travel Tips from UOAA and the TSA | United Ostomy Associations, Inc. (ostomy.org)") to TSA officers that discreetly notifies the screeners in advance to expect things like ostomy bags containing urine or stool. *Please note that this card does not excuse you from the screening—it just alerts the TSA officer to expect something a bit unusual.*