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Life After Surgery - 18 great years and counting!

Sun, December 01, 2013 4:49 PM

Hi everyone, I see there are questions here about life after UC surgery. I celebrated my 18th anniversary of my ileostomy this past week (the day before Thanksgiving). I was diagnosed with Ulcerative Colitis in 1991 at the age of 21. In 1995 at the age of 25, my condition slowly worsened and eventually required emergency surgery - I almost died. Back then, the j-pouch wasn't that advanced, so I felt an ileostomy was the best solution for me. I am so thankful this surgery gave me my life back and I can eat almost anything again (I only have to avoid a few different raw veggies). I have never spent a single day regretting this surgery because it gave me a second chance at life and I'm very grateful for that. I'm healthy, very active and loving life!

Today I am 43 years old, travel a lot, and love to do outdoor activities .... hiking, biking, swimming, snorkeling, etc. There's very little I can't do with my ostomy. If you're on this path, stay as positive as you can. UC is a tough chronic illness and surgery does cure it. Good luck and know that life can be whatever you make it! Work closely with your surgeons, GI docs and ET nurses. Mine were a godsend!

runnergirl
Joined Dec 1, 2013

Tue, February 11, 2014 11:06 AM

Reply posted for runnergirl.

Congrats to you!

I have had an ileostomy for 24 years and agree that it has been great not to be sick all the time and be able to have a life without suffering constantly.

I was diagnosed with Crohn's Disease in 1982, while I was in college. At that time, there were so few drug therapies for Crohn's and what I did take didn't seem to control it for long/at all. I had 2 bowel re-sections to remove active Crohn's (1987 and 1988) and finally had surgery that resulted in an ileostomy (1990). I felt fabulous for the first time since High Schooll!!!

I have been pregnant twice and have 2 healthy teenagers now. The ileostomy hasn't slowed me down. We travel a lot and enjoy skiing, hiking and lots of time at the beach. My kids are active in sports and there have been some times where the lack of facilties at the ball fields has been stressful. But I have found ways to make it work.

For anyone facing surgery, I think your mind and a positive attitude are invaluable. You Can! While hard not to get down, look forward to feeling great and kick some IBD butt.

A toast to us!

dgardiner
Joined Feb 11, 2014

Mon, January 06, 2014 11:49 PM

Reply posted for runnergirl.

I have had moderate to severe UC for 22 years and am now being advised to have my colon and rectum removed- ileostomy. I am a tennis player that plays tennis as often as possible and I was wondering if you could advise me as to any problems you have had with your ileostomy and how easy or difficult it is to be active in sports with an ileostomy. Thank you for posting about your experience and helping others who are facing the same surgery. It is appreciated..Pam

pperky
Joined Jan 6, 2014

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