does anyone have anything positive to say?

Wow, I don't know quite what to say but that I don't think most of us come here to be negative. I think we come here for support and suggestions.

And most importantly, because here we can speak freely and honestly about what it's like for many of us, IBS/C or IBS/D, day in, day out. For so many of us, it's the only place we can be honest!

The rest of the world doesn't want to talk about IBS.

So no, I don't think of these topics and posts as negative.

Thoughts anyone?

Well, my bad then. The least I can do is keep this topic near the top of the list. My apologies.

You could also retitle the topic, asking past surgical patients if they'd do it over again, if they had a choice.

I don't quite fall into the category you're referring to - I had the lower part of my colon taken out due to rectal cancer. And I have never been the same since. For those of us that spend lots of time in the bathroom each day (I'm in that group), yes we do tend to be negative. And are very reluctant to have more surgery. I flat out refuse any more surgery, I've been told by 3 doctors that I could have had 1 of 3 approaches - the sigmoid removal approach, 15 inches of my colon removed, etc. I had. A j-pouch and the third would be an option now - an inverted colostomy, that I would irrigate once a day.

I guess if I had to give you any advice is do what you've done already - research, ask questions, get yourself ready for surgery in a healthy position as possible (good food, vitamins, exercise) - and possibly a second opinion. I probably should have had a second opinion (although I did have an excellent surgeon, I just have no where internally for stool to collect). I think the placement of my tumor presented a challenge to my surgeon. If it had been much higher in the GI tract I probably wouldn't even need this forum or suggestions. I'd be back to normal (whatever that is!).

I do wish you well with your surgery.

The ostomy forum here is very helpful. You could try posting your questions over there too.

Hi azelf,
Welcome to the site!
As pb4 mentioned, IBSers don't ordinarily have surgery. I wonder if you might get more feedback if you visit the Ostomies forum, or maybe even Crohns or UC. As much as we all love happy tales and positive posts, I'm not sure too many people on this board can speak to this type of surgery. Of course, I could be wrong, but it can't hurt for you to visit the other forums as well.
Best of luck to you,
Lil