I am 46 and had my first surgery Jan. 2012 and take down 7 weeks later. I am not doing very well. Honestly I hate my new life. But this is life and this is what God has given me and it is his plan. Now if I could just figure his plan and what to do. That would be great. I think it is so hard cause everyone is different. Usually you go to the doctor and he tells you what to take and what to do. Not this time. Trial and error. Nothing easy about our situation. But I have faith. Just some days are harder then others.

Thank you. Keep your chin up. I'm trying figure out what His plan is too.

Had the surgeries at age 41 and have had very good results.

I had my first surgery at 53 on Feb. 13th 2013 and take down on April 18th. The first year was really tough, can't sugar coat that! But it is getting better each day. I am learning how to live with my J-pouch so I can live as normal as a life as possible. I am still very careful what I eat, especially if I have to be at work or go somewhere after a meal. This is so much better of a life for me than UC or the scare of having colon cancer. I wouldn't have said this a year and a half ago!!

Had Step 1 at age 61 and Step 2 a year later (by choice) at age 62. Am now 73. Results were excellent and still are!

Double nickels. Reversal two months after colectomy. It has been a challenge over the past two years but I am getting the hang of it. It has been like flying my airplane after getting my license - I am always learning something new.

Prognosis is good. Life is good.

I got a k pouch (the ancestor of the J pouch) in 1979 at the age of 18...it has had its challenges. Had an unplanned 3 step (should have been 1) then about 20 good years...learning new tricks and dealing with the challenges all the time...then failure and lots of reconstructive surgeries...I am still learning new tricks every day...nothing with these pouches is carved in stone...it is human guts and they change with the season, the food and the mood...so although I can honestly say that life is good inspite of the problems, when the problems happen I curse and spit like a wet cat.
I have faith in God, my surgeon and my body (in that order) and keep on fighting the good fight.
My hope is that we all find our 'method in this maddness' and that our pouches can give us a happy and healthy life.
Good luck to you all.
Sharon

Emergency Colectomy at age 49 1/2.

About to turn 51 next week and life looks good and promising. It has been a year-long journey, but I really did not have much choice in the matter. I have learned many personal lessons about life, God, family and true friends during this journey.

44 years old 2-1/2 years ago..and you know that I've had very good results. No real complications yet, knock on wood.

I was 45 when I got my J-pouch. I finished my first half iron man in 6 hours 16 mins 2 weeks ago and am now off to New Zealand to run a 26 mile adventure run, bike, kayak, hang glide, ice climb, etc. I told my wife no to bungie jumping, though.

I am 54 now. My pouch misbehaves when I misbehave (ie, too much sugar, not enough roughage, stress, too much alcohol)

I just keep plodding. Being English, if I allow myself, I tend to look at the darker side of things. That is why I always try to keep a positive attitude. On my endurance things (marathons, triathlons, etc), I always say thank you to each and every volunteer, policeman, etc who I pass.

Diagnosed with UC at age 27. Emergency colectomy 3 weeks after being diagnosed.

J-pouch at age 29 (after living with ileostomy for 2.5 years)

I've had some issues, but I work full time, horseback ride once or twice per week, workout at the gym several times per week, and do yoga.

I oh so appreciate all the replies. I have been on such a nice UC break and feel like it's slapped me in the face with reality and I am hitting the ground running trying to figure it all out.
I am 54 soon to be "double nickels" in December. I keep telling myself I'm not getting any younger.

I had my first surgery at 54 and take down 8 weeks later right after turning 55. I elected not to go the biologic route because I wasn't getting any younger, had UC so long I was at risk of getting cancer anyway and had diverticulitis and UC both pan colon. My last colonoscopy was too scary, the inside of my colon was black in many parts and I didn't see anyway of seeing it turn into pink tissue again. I'd also been in a flare from hell for 8 months.

I wish I'd had it done sooner. I think I wouldn't be having all the problems I am if I had. There is no medical reason for this but think it would have been better before I let the rest of my body get so run down.

I had my J Pouch surgery at 29 and I am now 50 years old. I lived with UC from ages 9-29 and now J Pouch from ages 29-50. The J Pouch era of 21 years and counting has been a lot better.

UC took my 20s from me had it for a decade until I hit 30 then decided enough was enough. Being the sole provider for a wife a 3 kids and building a reputation at work as an extraordinary employee and UC just slowly destroyed my reputation and gave people the outlook as me being unreliable and also not being able to spend time with my family because I was sick all the time. I tried all the medicines you could imagine with no solid results and no remission. The only time I felt good was on a high dose of steroids I felt like Superman indestructible. It was just masking all my issues though. I decided to opt into the surgery and do it while I was still healthy instead of having rushed into the OR for an emergency surgery which was bound to happen the route I was going. I am now 30 and also had my initial surgery Feb.13 2013. 2 step surgery turned into 3 due to a twisted bowel and infection spreading. I am now 7 months post takedown. Do I have regrets? I do some days that it gets really tough but I just think back on the alternative I probably would have ended up in this position anyway but on worse terms or even worse diagnosed with colon cancer due to having it for so long. Life isn't the same as before. Its not like living with a colon there are always struggles but with the right attitude you push through them. Things do get better as time goes on and it is constantly learning new things no matter how long you've had your pouch. I believe if you are mentally prepared and you stay positive through all the tough days it makes the good days that much better. Good Luck.

UC at 20
J-Pouch at 29
Crohn's at 48

Many tough years since then but what can one do but keep on keeping on...

MK

I had my surgery at 23.5. I'm 33 now, up until the last year I didn't have any problems. I have a stricture now, but I definately made the right decision having the surgery.

UC at 29, J-Pouch at 46.

Age 69 now 83 and doing real fine.

I wish there was a "like" button. I appreciate everyone's replies. Thank you

Steps 1 &2 at age 21, and take down at age 22.