It has been two months since I had my j-pouch removed for an end ileo and I have no regrets. I can't believe I put up with all the pain and discomfort for so long. I guess we sometimes just learn to deal with what we are familiar with. It took me along time to finally make the decision to have my pouch removed but now I am doing great and enjoying life. Granted, the first couple of weeks after the surgery were tough but well worth it. I did have some problems getting used to my stoma but I have no complaints. It might sound corny but I somehow feel alive. If anyone out there is miserable and tired of dealing with all the pain and everything else that comes up I highly recommend having an end ileo. Since my surgery I have been able to eat comfortably, travel long distances, hang out with my friends and have a good time, but most importantly I have been able to be a healthy mother and wife. That's something I haven't been in a long time. I am so greatful for this website, since my surgery I have been able to use some advice posted by other ostomates. I would have been at a lost if it wasn't for this website. Thanks to everyone here.

Hello Hope,

Isn't it great to be rid of all those "butt" issues? I know what you mean by feeling alive... you realy HAVE got your life back!

Thanks for coming back and letting us know that you are doing so well. I'm so glad that things are working out for you, this is just the sort of post that that puts a smile on my face!

Keep up the good work and come back when you can. I'm sure you have a lot to offer this site yourself.

Take care

Shell

I am happy to hear you are feeling well.
I wish my son could learn to accept an ostomy if needed.
Holly

That is so great to hear! Thanks for sharing. I love stories like this because you never know what we may have to face in the future. My j-pouch is serving me fine now, but who knows...? I think that we all want to be in that 95+% who are satisfied with the j-pouch and if something comes along that could mean the end of our pouch, we keep thinking that things will turn around soon or there's one more thing to try, and on and on. Maybe living with UC makes us that way. We can be real good at being sick.

Well, cheers and wellness to you!!

Jan

Congrads And welcome back to life! Hope all stays so well for you and enjoy being a mom again (BUT I AM SURE YOU WERE WONDERFUL BEFORE)

Thanks guys, for all the positive and touching words. It really does mean alot to me especially coming from someone who has been there done that. Thanks again.

Paul just had an end ileo done in January, and we can totally agree with your post! Isn't it amazing looking back and seeing how far you've come, how good you feel? It's been the best thing he could have done for his body and his mind. He's doing awesome. Life is good. (And for a long time, it really stunk, to be honest. ) It's so encouraging to see your post. Good for you!
Betsy & Paul