Well, howdy everyone!

I know, it's been a while, but in my defense, I have been busy living! Things with the pouch are great, and my stomach issues are being handled, as well as my psychological state. I just wanted to pop in and let some of the newbies know that it can indeed get better.

I just got back from a trip to La Jolla to see Dr. Launer. He scoped me and said the pouch looks perfect. I can't say enough about him, he is great! I had an appointment to see him on President's Day, but it turned out the office was going to be closed and they didn't call to re-schedule until after I was on the road to La Jolla and had made reservations I couldn't cancel. Dr. Launer came in on his day off just to see me. I think that sometimes, as patients, we forget that our caregivers are human beings too, and that they have the same needs and desires as we do. Getting a day off once in a while is one of those desires, at least in my book. I really appreciate him coming in just for me.

I took my mom with me this time and, of course, had to make a stop in Vegas before coming home. We had to spend a night in Jackpot and were woken up by the Wells earthquake 60 miles away. Needless to say, other than losing a little money (I'm too cheap to gamble too much) the whole trip was amazing.

Oh, for those who remember that I drove garbage truck, I have made a job move. I now work for the City of Spokane Riverside Park Water Reclamation Facility, a.k.a. the sewer plant. Hey, who would know more about poo than someone who has gone through UC, j-pouch, 2 ostomies, and a k-pouch!?

Anywayz, I hope everyone finds a little of the good fortune I have been so richly given.

Peace,

Les

Great news Les and great to hear feom you here.
Chris is finally doing good too.
You deserve the break.
The earthquake huh?
Your Mom must have loved that.LOL
Check facebook.

What absolutely outstanding news Les! Like Emilio, I think of you every so often. I figured you were doing just fine since we hadn't heard from you!

I didn't realize the epicenter was so close to Las Vegas. Did you watch the Bellagio fountain? We just stand there and stare at it. It's amazing what a whole ton of gambler's money can do, isn't it?

Thanks for checking in and I'm just thrilled! I was wondering at one point if you'd ever get relief. I'll bet you were wondering that too. Happy day(s)!!!

big hugs - kathy

Hi Les,

What a wonderful post! I am just soooo pleased that life is finally treating well. You certainly deserve to feel well after all you've been through.

We have all missed you of course but I am so pleased that the reason we haven't seen you is because you are living life to the full.

Did I ever tell you that you are one of my biggest heroes? Well you are and always will be an inspiration to me. Who else could have tested out so many ostomy appliances and products on our behalf? I am so glad that all those days are behind you now.

Keep up the good work and thanks for checking in and letting us know how you are doing.

Luv & hugs

Shell

I too have thought of you often and wondered how you were doing. You have had such a rough go of it and its so wonderful to hear that you're doing well and are happy.

Much love,

Suzanne

Les,

That's great news to hear! I had followed your posts and progress over the years and it's very heartwarming to hear that you are doing well and that life is good for you.

Thank you for posting an update. And, I really must say that I got a giggle out of the job change. Congrats!

Rick

Les, Thanks for dropping in and telling us your great news. So often, folks just drop off the radar because their lives are doing so well, they really don't need a support group any more. It's great for them, but the rest of us wonder how things are going.

But, it is wonderful that your life is so full now and your past troubles with the ostomy are a dim memory. It's success stories like yours that really drive home the fact that we need more than two surgical options after colectomy, and there definitely is a need for continent ileostomies.

Hope you enjoy your new poopy job!

Jan