Done. After three years from initial removal of colon. Whoo Hoo!

Richard, if only we had a crystal ball to predict the end result! We could avoid all these missteps. But, any path that leads to health and happiness is the right path, eh?

Thank you for sharing your journey and sticking around to inspire others. Yes, there is joy after a failed j-pouch!

Jan

Thank you Jan. 

This site has been so helpful and still will be in the future.  I'm not done and I am sure if I run into problems I can and will check with he ostomy forums.  And help anyway I can.  

We go through so much and all here understand without explanation!  It's a road that never does end.  It gets better for sure.  

There is happiness yes.  I found it.  I can't believe I did.  But I did.  Nothing to be afraid of.  Lol. 

I look in here and read everyday. 

Richard . 

Congratulations Richard, such good news...(I think???!)

At least your days of pain and misery are over and that is all that matters...Quality of life...that is what is important...no matter where or how you find that quality...that you for lurking, for sharing and contributing...we need all of the input that we can get...

Have a wonderful life...you deserve it!

Sharon

Thank you so much Sharon.  It is good news.  Anytime you go through what we go through and say you don't have to see a Dr or surgeon anymore?  Good news.  Lol. 

Congratulations to you Richard.   I am very happy for you.   I would love to do what you did.  I just can't think of going thru that surgery again unless it is absolutely necessary.  Good Luck to you.

Thank you GraceB . 

It wasn't an easy decision .  After all the pain in the first three I was expecting it again.  I didn't want to do it.  But knew I had to no matter the outcome.  I was at the end-of-my rope.  But it's not bad at all.  I didn't realize how fast things went through and now understand why my pouch couldn't handle it.  Short trip.  Lol. 

Richard . 

Richard, I wish we could have a cyber- party for you! All of us who truly know how significant this is, who have supported each other when the chips were down and applauded when the news was good. We know each other in a way that "normal" people can't. I'm lifting my glass of seltzer and tonic water in a toast to you and your good news and to all of us!

Thank you lambie .  I wish you the best also! 

So glad you are doing well. My son is scheduled for surgery #8 next month to remove the whole damn mess. Redo, advancement, Dr. Shen's magic stuff, etc. and he still has abscesses. They keep telling him it isn't Crohn's. He has missed out on half his life! Surgeon says it is going to be very long, complicated surgery because of all the infection, adhesions and scar tissue.  I am so scared for him - and angry that it has gone this far. Maybe because he wanted the J-pouch to work so much, that he got to this point. 

I felt the same way before surgery. 

I was scared expecting the worst because if my past surgeries.  But it was a breeze.  But.  I only had the pouch 26 months.   I have to put that out there because the longer you have it.  Well .  You know. 

I wish you the best and for your son.  There is life and wellness in on this side.  I'm living proof.  I only hope it all goes better than you both think.  It's terrible to live that way.  Terrible .  I know. 

Richard . 

"Done."

What a beautiful word. It's what I desire most.

As I approach removal, I hope I can say the same thing. Thanks for sharing, Richard.

I hope so too.  It's not bad at all over here.  Not anything like what was in my mind.  And there was nothing good prior to getting it in my mind. 

I did a change today after four days.  Nothing there as in problems.  Looked good.  No red.  No sores.  Nothin.  Put another on and it's like any other day.  You just quit noticing it.  At the beginning of course just seeing it hanging there bugged me.  But no more.  Just another way to poop.  And I  doesn't hurt! 

Richard .