Hi,
Just wanted to introduce myself and say I check this site often out of curiosity. I suffered with UC from 2008-2012 with really only about a year of true remission. Had total colectomy with end ileostomy 2012 after completely failed all medical therapy at that time and was steroid dependent. My surgeon (at Vanderbilt, Nashville TN) at the time said I would be a good candidate for Jpouch surgery in 3 step procedure. I did so well postop being able to enjoy life, got married, gained about 50-60 lbs of good weight, had my first child that I honestly wondered if I would EVER undergo the Jpouch surgery. plan was to do my masters, enjoy being newly married and being free from the bathroom, then in 2 years I would go for the Jpouch. well..... 5 years later and meeting with my surgeon to discuss the jpouch tomorrow... haha. my wife and I agree that if im going for it now is the time (provided its an option). the ostomy has served me very well but definitely has its downsides. however going from freedom into the unknown is anxiety provoking as it should be. whats worse or.. maybe not as worse is that I am a General Surgery Physician Assistant for 11 different general surgeons in a busy hospital.... so.... I understand the risk and issues at least associated with multiple abdominal surgeries. none of our surgeons do the jpouch procedure however so I dont see it day in and day out. at any rate, excited, nervous, anxious and glad to be a part of a great group. any tips, advice, precautions are greatly appreciated. thanks for having me!!!
- Native