Hi!
My name is Kimberly, and I am a 27 yr old in Tulsa, OK. I had severe Ulcerative Colitis since I was 16 years old to the point where I couldn't EVER make it to the bathroom, and I weighed 85 lbs at my lowest. I know what it was like to go through that horrible experience as a teenager just trying to fit in. I frequently hid my medical problem from people because I was so embarrassed. My colitis turned into colon cancer, and I had my colon removed and a temporary ileo in 2008. In 2009 had my reversal surgery, but my j-pouch failed due to an autoimmune system problem and surgical error (I switched surgeons for my last surgery and it went great!) I would love to help any teens or young women my age who are feeling insecure about having an ileostomy, or need some advice or support for either the ileo or maintaining the j-pouch. I know a lot about both and consider myself to be a seasoned expert now. I am married with a 1 year old baby boy, so pregnancy after surgery IS possible! If anyone needs me, you can contact me at kimberly.long84@gmail.com. I would love to hear from you!

-Kimberly
UC/colon cancer survivor with a permanent ileostomy