This is a great website! I'm scheduled for my final J pouch surgery in less than a week. Reading the success stories has helped me keep an optimistic state of mind. Something I think is an important part of success. I hope to soon send in a success story of my own.

I was fortunate that my UC experience was relatively short. First symptoms started in 2006. I went to my doctor the next morning and they said I probably had hurt myself working out. Further investigation ruled that out but a scope and biopsy also ruled out UC. Doc gave me Colazal and the symptoms went away overnight. Decided it was probably UC but I stayed symptom free for three years.

Last year had my first real-deal flare up. Unfortunately I was in remote location and couldn't get proper medical care for about three weeks. When I got home I had lost 30 pounds. I also developed two bizarre complications: viral meningitis and vasculitis with fibrinoid necrosis. Another scope showed what looked like a "minor case" of UC but the biopsy came out negative. They tried every medicine they had but nothing worked. Steroids provided some relief at first. After three months of upping my dosage with no further relief, the steroid treatment burned a hole in my small intestine near my stomach. A few days later I was undergoing emergency surgery. I woke up without a colon.

Recovery went well. No blockage and the ileostomy worked like a charm. I regained my weight in about a month and was jogging three miles by the second month. Worse part was my short stay at the hospital in Cambridge. Being accustomed to American health care, the NHS system in Cambridge was a culture shock. Although I had the option to have my next surgery in Cambridge with more experienced Docs, I opted to have the American doctors do it. There is always a first time for everyone right?

Good fortune continued with my second surgery. God gave me a short small intestine, so they couldn't do the loop ileostomy. Otherwise everything has gone without complication. For some reason this iteration of my stoma doesn't play nicely with bags. I've had a few annoyingly peel off at the worse times. Worse part has been gaining my weight back. I've managed to loose ten pounds right away and I'm struggling to get it back. I'll also have a tendency to get dehydrated.

I'm hoping that the j-pouch will be my cure. I'd like my career and the welfare of my family to remain unchanged by this ordeal. We are praying for a miracle and hoping for the best but planning for the worst.

Thanks again for the great site.

P.S. I'm originally from California but I'm living in the UK. Anyone from East Anglia here?

This message has been edited. Last edited by: Mustangeroo,

By the way, I'm in the US Military. I would appreciate any advice from anyone who is serving or has served with IBS/IBD.

My surgery on Monday (16 August) was a success and I came home yesterday. I'm amazed with how quickly things have returned to normal. No problems so far and things seem to be working as they did before I got sick. Of course, my BMs are not as well formed but I can live with that.

Mustangeroo,

Glad to hear you are recovering well. Metamucil wafers should help on bulking up the BMs.

I am the only male in my family not to have served in the US military (which includes Vietnam and World War II combat veterans), due to ulcerative colitis that was of longer duration than yours.

Good luck! And if you need anything in the future check the General Discussion and Help forums.

Thanks DJBHusky for the reply! Hopefully I get to stay in despite my UC trouble. All I can do now is try to make a full recovery. I'll give Metamucil wafers a try. I ate some pastrami yesterday and regretted it later. I'll stay away from those sandwiches for a while. Live and learn.

Mustangeroo,

Try small quantities of new foods. Take it slow on adding new things to your diet. Chances are a few years down the road you will be able to eat anything but your body needs time to adjust.

Hope you stay in the armed forces and as a US taxpayer I appreciate your service. Thank you.

I'm all healed up and feeling great! I've had no problems so far. Taking everything in moderation.

The first stage of my medical board recommended I return to duty!

DJBHusky, thank you for your taxes!

Just wanted to say thank you for your service to our country!!!!

Glad you are feeling well!!!!!