April 19 - surgery anniversary date. This year I celebrate my second year without a diseased colon. Even with all the issues - life is so much better with a J-pouch than with UC and it keeps getting better too! I paused this morning (during surgery time) and just had to thank God for giving me a second chance.
Here is to good health for all of us.

May God bless you today, on your anniversary, and always.
Congrats- I hope you stay well and have many many many more happy days!

I had my one year anniversary on the 6th ... its a great feeling to start clocking up the years.

I hope you continue to do well.

Congratulations!! Can't wait to get to that point also! Here's to a life free of disease....

Hey Lora, this is Allen. Congrats on your anniversary! I just had my 5 year anniversary on Friday the 13th! haha I wish you many many more! take care.

Thanks guys! It is really great to have a life again. I went back to school at almost 40 for a career change (and I am having a great time). After so many years of being depressed and miserable it is good to be happy and hopeful. The 40's (hitting the big 40 in June) have to be great compared to all the uncertainty and misery of the the 30's (though I am thrilled that my second daughter was born during that time). We go through things for a reason, it is my goal to be able to help others in some way. Best wishes to all.

Thanks Allen
Send me a note and let me know how things are going.

Lora

Hi Lora,

Congratulations!!!!

You did exactly what I did at the same age! I was 39 when I had my first surgery and once I was over all the complications and takedown I went back to college to gain some qualifications and improve my career.

My 40th birthday was the start of a completely new life for me, especially as I'd had a close call with the alternative a couple of times during my surgeries. I have never been sad to pass those milestones (I'm 50 now) because I am just soooo grateful that I am still here to celebrate them!

Keep up the great work and your brilliant attitude. You're an inspiration!

Shell

grats you people keep saying 40 I don't wanna wait that long! hoping by mid 30's i,m good to go lost out on my mid 20's and early 30's. I like hearing how well folks are doing gives me more hope.