Today is my 15th Anniversary for my j-pouch. When I was sick with UC 15 years ago, I was struggling to make it from one to the next. I asked Dr. Harris how look the pouch would last and he said some people had them for over 20 years! I couldn't even envision 20 years ahead! I was just trying to survive that day!!!
I don't often get to come on the website but I want to thank Jan for answering my questions over the years. In the last 15, I have had a few issues with pouchitis but I have gotten my teaching degree, met my husband, married and had a healthy girl. I don't mean to boast but I want some of you out there to understand there is a light at the end of the tunnel. (i am crying now), There will come a day when you won't define yourself by your illness. and you won't think of your illness the first minute you wake up and the last minute you go to bed. And you will go on to live a relatively normal life. For those of you with new pouches...I hope the next 15 years are filled with many blessings. Joanna
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, i like to hear from veterans that are doing so well and come back to report! here's to many more great years!