I have finally scheduled my j-pouch surgery. Like many of you, I'm finally to the point of "no more medicine". I've had UC for about 12 years now and I've been on humira for the past year. Over the last six months, it has gradually stopped working. I've been on prednisone on and off for a lot of years, but steady for the last six months. A few months ago, I asked the question on this site "When is it time" and I received a lot of good answers. Now I can answer that question. My body has been ready for a few years, but my mind was not. Mentally, you have to accept reality. My body proves I need surgery everyday, I just had to learn to listen.

I am scheduled for Aug 12th at Mayo in Rochester, MN. I have been seeing Dr Pardi and my surgeon will be Dr Cima. So far, they have been great.

If anyone else is schedule for around the same time, I'd love to hear from you.

rj

Hey RJ...

You are absolutely right that your "mind" has to be in the right place. Don't worry if in the next 13 days you waffle a little here and there. I remember shortly before my step one, I watched a video on the internet about how to change the bag. I just burst into tears when I saw that intestine coming out of the guys stomach. I thought what am I getting myself into? I also went to Mayo. I am seeing Dr. Loftus (GI) and my surgeon was Dr. Larson. Actually I have friend going in for un-colon related tests around that time. I might be in that area visiting. Are you coming up with family?