If it seems like I am a huge fan of the Barnett Continent Intestinal Reservoir (BCIR), I am. Here is why.

I was diagnosed with Ulcerative Colitis (UC) at age 27. I would typically have 2-5 flareups per year of 1-2 weeks duration, which were treated successfully with azulfidine, prednisone, and rectal steroids. Compared to other UC patients, I know I had it relatively easy. For that, I am thankful. I was not debilitated by UC, and had a pretty full life. I was symptom free, and medication free, from age 42 to age 50, when a routine colonoscopy discovered a 2mm cancerous growth in my colon. Further tests revealed precancerous tissue throughout my colon and rectum. A second opinion at Johns Hopkins Hospital by their Chief of Surgery confirmed that my only surgical choice was removal of both my colon and rectum. I was presented with a series of surgical options, which didn't include the BCIR. The best choice presented by Hopkins was a Brooke Ileostomy, and I resigned myself to being a 50 year old, recently divorced guy, who would be lugging around an external bag hooked outside my abdomen for the rest of my life. Not the greatest future, but at least I would be cancer free.

Ten days before my scheduled Brooke surgery at Hopkins, I found out about the BCIR through a chance conversations with a friend of mine, Barry Katsen, who unbeknownst to me, had had a BCIR for the 8 years I knew him, and had a Brooke for about 18 years before that. After reading information he gave me about the BCIR, I called Johns Hopkins and asked them to "give me a BCIR". I spoke with their Chief of Surgery, who told me that he had read all of the medical journals, knew all the surgical options, knew all of the practitioners, knew all of the hospitals, but had never heard of the late Dr. William Barnett, or the BCIR. What to do? I had a friend who was functioning exceptionally well (to include beating me in tennis) with a BCIR, and I had the Chief of Surgery at Johns Hopkins Hospital telling me he could not recommend the BCIR for me. I elected the BCIR surgery in 1996, and have never regretted my decision.

How has my life changed after the BCIR? I have no fear of cancer recurring, I eat virtually all the foods I want to, I empty the BCIR when I want to, an average of 3-4 times daily, I met a beautiful woman, Deborah, who is now my wife, and I was able to resume an active life, to include participating in all activities that I did before the surgery. We live in Crofton, Maryland. In addition, we joined the Quality Life Association (QLA), whose active membership is composed of BCIR patients and spouses. We are continuing to get the word out about the BCIR, in the hope that the medical community, and future patients, will know about the BCIR as a surgical option.

Although I am certain I would have survived with a Brooke Ileostomy, I have a much greater quality of life with my BCIR!

If any readers want to contact me for additional information, please call me on 703-607-6807, or email me at garret1p@ncr.disa.mil.

-- Pat Garrett