I was diagnosed with Colitis when I was 9yrs old....and was on prednisone for years and it actually went into remission for a few years and was tolerable. In 1988 just before I turned 14 it got really bad. I was in the hospital for 30days and even tried "TPN" catheter (liquid diet program with IV's that you take home). After 7days of that not helping I decided to have my whole colon removed. I didn't eat for 10days!!
It was a major life changing decision that my parents assisted with and I had a great doctor.
Within 2-3days of having the surgery I couldn't believe how great I felt! Within a week I was home! Surprisingly I was able to lead a pretty decent life-style for a teenager with the illestomy bag.
In 1989, 1-month before I started high school I had the pull-through surgery.....how am I supposed to go to school when I go to the bathroom every 30 minutes with runny-diarrhia!
It took quite a while for me to get used to it but was able to struggle through and since I went to a small school I my teachers were prepared for my needs.
as time went I got used to it and developed a relationship with where all the bathrooms are and still keep every option open, I had a girlfriend, drank, partied and played sports like most kids, but always kept a close eye on the bathroom.
I travelled the country for work and got married.
For the most part I am happy but I do have the occasional set back with the runs and always will (I guess) but it is much better than the pain and suffering I had with UC.
I find now that most of my problems occur when I have stress....stress from work or stress in life decisions. I also find that after I eat a large meal I go to the bathroom alot (Thanksgiving is a good example). Most evenings at home are tuff too, after a long day at work I get home and relax and eat a little more than I should and just being home relaxed seems to make my stomach start working overtime. My wife is understanding. Depending on my schedule I can make it through the night about once a month, otherwise I am usually up 2-3times a night. Thank God I can fall right back to sleep really, really fast.

I take Imodium/Loperamide (over the counter) I got to Costco and stockup once a year. I can by a 2 year supply for $120, 5-10yrs ago that would be a month supply from the pharmacist.
I usually start the day with 4 - 2mg capsules.....and then nothing again until dinner time at which time depending on how I feel with take 2 or 3 additional capsules. Come bed time I usually pop 2 more, but sometimes I forget depending on how I feel and how often I go to the bathroom.
I tried Metamucil 20 years ago right after my surgeries and it didn't help then. After visiting this website I think I will give it another chance. Anyother suggestions outs there?
I pretty much each just about everything I want (pizza, hot wings, mexican, salad, corn on the cob). I have found with just the right about of ruffage (salad, corn) it helps the digestive process...but too much can create horrible cramps and frequent bathroom visits. i guess everyone is different it's tuff to ration myself to one cob of fresh corn when it is so good but I have learned to take it easy and enjoy what I get.

I have 2 major vices.
1: I smoke cigarrettes, it's a great stress reliever and whenever I have tried to quit my frequency goes up as well as the diarhia. It's a nasty habit but is rather addictive, I will quite someday but I'm just not ready yet!
2: I haven't been to a doctor in 10years! for many reasons/excuses.....1st I couldn't afford it, then I got too busy, then I lost contact, but mostly I don't have a reason, I have been lucky and haven't had any real episodes that required me to see a doctor. And after all those years of seeing doctors and being in hospitals, I have not desire to see them anymore, I put in my time! Lastly, I fear the scope, the doctor was always talking about giving me the scope when i came back as part of my checkup and frankly that thing is scary huge! I did it once when I was still sick and it was horrible. i know when I go back he is going to want to use it again.

I will check back often to see you guys again.....take care.
Oh yeah, I'm now in my early 30's and in Michigan-USA.

Welcome to the site! You probably have lots of good advice to give others, living with a pouch for so long.

Welcome from another long time poucher (82/83 pouch made).....

I like you went a long time between GI visits (1985 to 2008 with last scope before surgery), but they are not as scary as they used to be since now you can ask for sedation if you need it.

I now have an awesome GI, and he has said since I have gone so long without problems with my pouch he is going to wait until something comes up with my pouch. I actually see him for primary sclerosing cholangitis-- a liver condition that can develop after having had an IBD like UC. As he puts it with my PSC I have enough tests in my future so we will just take things as they come.

I like you did Metamucil long ago (major yuck). I have found that Fiber Choice chewables work well for me. I do no lomotil or any of those. I eat most things that I want, just know which foods will cause me issues. Also the other big thing for me is drinking plenty of fluids--especially water.

Good luck and looking forward to hearing your insight for other's questions,

Beth B

Welcome,I`m very happy you have found us,now you can recieve or lend support.