Just looking for others like me in the sunny so. cal. I live in orange county,25, almost married, only one week out of my iliostomy reversal. Misery sure does love company, and I am currently miserable!

Rachel

Hi Rachel,

My husband and I live in San Diego. He is the one who had surgery (j-pouch a little over a year ago) and I have had UC about 18 years. We have been through a lot between the two of us and would be happy to be a resource for you for any questions or just if you need to vent if/when feeling down or overwhelmed (or want to ask that question of, "IS THIS NORMAL??!!). The beginning can sometimes be tough and there is definitely an adjustment period, but I think almost everyone will say life is better with the bag, j-pouch, k-pouch, etc. than with the disease. Don't worry if you encounter bumps in the road - these may happen and can be handled and everyone on this site is SO incedibly supportive and will offer you a wealth of info and ideas to try on your own (home stuff) or take to your doc.

Congrats on making it through the surgeries and wishing you all the best. Shout if you need anything!

Hi, i'm 26, in the "IE", married with 3 "kids" (1 dog and 2 cats).

Sometimes i think i am the only one around here with no colon. not exactly an everyday thing.

definitely still learning to cope even though takedown was in the summer of '05. dont like to go anywhere unless i know facilities are close...

i am a musician (drums) and do a good deal of creative tech. the best thing is i can still do those things after all of this.

Feel better soon.

-Ian

HI --

I am in the Orange area ( city not county). I know it does seem at times that I am the only one without a colon....I know that isn't the case. I am 54, widowed for a long time but have three wonderful young adult and mostly independant kids.

And even though the take down was over 2 years ago I think I am still adjusting. I have had some problems but thought they were just par for the course but also much up time too.

Would like to know more people in the area ... with UC or jpouch ...just to know them and chat.

Nancy

Hi, I'm new to this website and new to Orange County! My husband and I just moved to Lake Forest 2 days ago from Chicago!!! I'm 49 with 4 kids (3 grown, 1 a jr. in college) and a 3 y/o Golden Retriever (who waits outside the bathroom door and scratches it if i'm in there too long!)

Here's my situation: Severe Ulcerative pancolitis/proctitis. Originally diagnosed in 2002, went into remission until Jan. '07. My life hasn't been the same since. I've had 3 Remicade treatments (with no pos. results) and am scheduled to receive the 4th (double dose) at UC Irvine (dr. parekh). My Chicago doc says if no pos. results from 4th treatment within 1 week, then surgery is next. I'm absolutely terrified of the surgery.

I'm on a zillion drugs, high doses of Prednisone, probiotics- you name it, i've tried it or am taking it now. I am absolutely miserable and in pain 24/7.

Would like to know more people in this area also.

Sindi
P.S. Sorry for long post!

Hi Sindi -

I am so sorry that you are miserable. I did send some information to your email. We live close...I am happy to help if I can. This website is a great place to find help and relief and even vent when you need to. We have all been there. Take care
Nancy

I'm from arroyo grande it's betwwen santa barbara and san francisco.

Nancy,
I never received your email...please re-send...maybe it caught up in my spam folder...I'll keep a watchful eye out for it!
Thanks,
Sindi

Nancy - ignore previous post - i did find your email!
I will respond to your personal address!!!
Thanks!
Sindi