This is my personal story how far I have came over the past 3 years.
Its an simple video, but it gives a great example of how I battled and conquered UC.
Feel free to tell me what you think.
Oh yea, I could have talked for hours and went into great detail but 10 mins is all I could upload.


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mEE4KL8FhPs

Mike,

It is great to hear your story, it is a awesome you are willing to share. It sounds like you've been through a long journey and now you are a stronger and admirable man.

Thanks for making this video, Mark and I both agree that sharing stories such as your as so important for individual and others healing.

Three cheers to you,
Megan

Mike
I watched it last night and it is great! Especially for someone like me who has not yet had the surgery. Thank you for putting it on YouTube and posting it here - lots of people need to see it, people need to get more comfortable talking about this "secret" disease.

Mike-

Good to hear your story and I agree with norn, great for those of us to hear who have not yet had the surgery. It's always great to hear successful results. Just one month ago I dreaded the thought of surgery and now I am counting the days...

Hope things continue to go well!!

Mike - thanks for your video, it will be a great inspiration for my son (age 19) who had his (ruptured) colon removed in November after being diagnosed the previous month with UC. He suffered a years worth in that month, he begged for the surgery. Dr. says 6 months he'll proceed with jpouch - its wonderful to hear your story gives us hope that all will be pretty much normal again. Good Luck Nicksmom.

Hey Mike, great job on the video. I suffered for close to 20 years and none of the medicines besides Prednisone helped me either. I was able to find some level of manageability in the last few years though through diet. Still, I wish I would have known about this option and seen a video like yours much earlier. I always kept my condition a secret until I was diagnosed with cancer. Now I'm much more open about it. It's great that you've been able to share your story as well. It's funny because some of my family kind of saw this as a death sentence and now they see me walking around feeling good and they have a completely different perspective.

Hi Mike!

I was just looking at your video yesterday on youtube, I came accross it by chance, small world!...very well done indeed, and something to which we can all relate! Keep up the good work, I think it's imperative that we tell our stories so that those who may be suffering with a GI problem will get the medical help they need before it's too late (like I did, ended up with a toxic megacolon), thanks!

Cheers!
Eric

Thanks for all the feedback!

I think your video was great it helped me with some things like what to eat and stuff like that I didnt wach that much because I am only 10years old so my grandma watched it for me.

PS, My grandama liked it to.

You're ten! Wow, you're doing very well for yourself communicating online. Of course kids these days are probably better than most adults I'm sorry you've had to go through all this at such a young age. I had my first surgery when I was 16.
I'm glad your grandma watched the video for you and it has helped you.

Mike,
This is great!
I'd like to invite others to make a short video about their success or struggles with IBD, surgery and the j-pouch.
Upload it to Youtube and contact me with the URL.
I will put them on the site.
Thanks!

Bill

you have really encouraged me. I have had a bad 3 yr bout with my refractory colitis. now I'm on remicade again. if it doesn't work, I will then do plan B which is the surgery. I have a few questions,if you don't mind me asking. 1) did you have the colitis is your entire colon or just a segment and 2) did they take out your entire colon or just a section.
and 3) do you still take imodium.
I was told I would have to have the entire colon taken out so I didn't know how well the j pouch would work for me.
thanks and glad that you are well again.
dt in wisconsin

Definitely take advantage of this forum and ask all the questions you have. This place and the people here are such an amazing resource.

I had pretty bad UC but I actually ended up having the surgery because of colon cancer. I had colitis in my entire colon and they did take the entire thing out, except for a very small band where the j-pouch connects to the rectum. I believe that is the normal method, although someone correct me if I'm wrong. I didn't take imodium before my surgery but I do take it now, to slow things down to help my body with absorption.

The j-pouch is constructed using part of your small intestine, so it sounds like you're a good candidate.

1) did you have the colitis is your entire colon or just a segment
my colitis was in my entire colon


2) did they take out your entire colon or just a section.
They took out my entire large intestine not the small intestine though

3) do you still take imodium.
I do take imodium but not everyday, sometimes just when i eat a large meal or will be busy/traveling all day. So its not like i need it i just think it helps a little