I am new to the forum - did no one even answer your question?  Let me know.  I had my surgery at age 23.  I am now 52.  Yes, it does get better and you can live a "normal" life. What I did when I was younger was not eat a lot during the day at school (I was a teacher at that time).  I also found bathrooms that were private in the school if I could.  It took time, but I learned to get through the school day without going more than maybe twice.  Then I ate a lot at night and pooped a lot at night to get calories/nutrition.  For many years I was able to run, travel, work, etc. - I still can, but I would say it's gotten bit harder - but I think that is aging and some other health issues along with dealing with the j pouch.  We have FAP in the family - father is 78, sister is 46. We've all had pouches for about 30 years.  There have been ups and downs. But, my Dad retired from Duke at age 70.  My sister is a mom of 3 and very active.  I taught high school and then got my masters and was a counselor - did all that for 23 years.  I finally quit my job, but it was not just the j pouch - it was many things that led me to that decision.  So, I think my message is:  yep, you can do just about anything - especially when you are young.  You learn to manage and your small intestine does take on the job of the large one. It is never the "same" as it was.  But, it does not have to ruin your life. You can go to college, get higher degrees, etc. and work.  There may be hiccups along the way where you need to have some additional procedures done, etc. - no one told me this - probably not to scare me - but I did have some problems with pouch thru the years.  That said, I got through them.  I  hope this gives you hope!