Jason,

I too made the same decision in 2004. I spent 8 years with my J-Pouch and the whole pouchitis/Cipro/Flagyl/Lomotil/etc.etc.etc.

When Dr. Fazio was preparing me for surgery, he asked if he was able to save or reconstruct the J-Pouch, would I want it. I opted for the permanent illeo.

I too play ice-hockey, but at the ripe old age of 41, I opt for no-check (all I've ever played...started 12 years ago, plus I have to work the next day).

Probably the worst fears I had to get over was joining a new league and the looks/stares in the locker room at game time. After a couple of weeks (months?) I finally relaxed. On the ice, no one treated me any different, and I didn't hesitate to drop down on a shot.

Kudo's for continuing check-hockey, don't know that I would be as comfortable.

Thats so great to hear - I am 36 and not to far off from you LOL! Its funny and I say it every time.. A lot of ppl look at the end illeo as something they HAVE to end up with ... To me it was a great CHOICE. Great to see another one of us hitting the ice and I agree about the locker room... I brought the 2 cases of beer my first time and when they saw that they can care less about my bag LOL! Keep in touch and good luck on the ice - Im a stay at home D man!

True-True... I should have thought about the beer for the first time in...

I play right wing (left handed shot), but also drop back on D if we get short (although I need a harder shot from the point).