A wish come true

Earlier this year I was frantically searching for information regarding Ostomies, JPouches, recovery time, pouchitis, hernias ... and was getting quite overwhelmed. You see, I have suffered with Ulcerative Colitis for over 12 years and had been on and off steroids, immuran, asacol, humira, remicade and it took a toll on my body. I was developing osteopenia, my eye sight was deteriorating, I was completely sluggish. At the end of February my wife and I found out that she was pregnant, all of the doctors told us that she wouldn't be able to get pregnant and if she did it would be a tough pregnancy full of complications. I started to envision life with my unborn child and was saddened by the fact that i wouldn't be able to run, play, swim and keep up!!

I decided to undergo surgery.

I went into the surgery with an abundance of knowledge about the procedures and every possible complication that could occur. What websites and journals do not ready you for is the actual feeling. I felt like I was hit by a truck. I woke up out of the first surgery with an ostomy and I was extremely depressed and could not see further than the current day. I was hospitalized twice due to dehydration and an infection. Visited the doctors office and stoma nurse religiously. Thankfully, with the help of my family and friends I was able to get past that point and ready myself for the second surgery.

After the second surgery i felt like a baby learning to potty train. Dealing with leaks, and possible pouchitis. Doing kegals while watching tv ... it finally got me to the point where I am today. I am by no means perfect yet, and I know I have a LONG way to go but I could never envision myself doing as much as I do today, earlier this year.

My wife went into labor earlier last week and we now have a beautiful baby girl :) I helped my wife labor for over 30 hours without a bathroom break. I was able to be there to support her. My baby girls first cry made me fall in love all over again. I can now see myself running, swimming, keeping up and getting old with my family.

I want to thank everyone in this forum, the JPouch forums and on twitter for the support. You guys are truly awesome and I don't think I could have done it without you. I am forever indebted and am here to answer any questions regarding the surgery.

God is great and the saying is absolutely true: "This too shall pass"

Believe.

UCfree-
I have been thinking about you- I knew that your wife was due sometime in Oct. I am so happy for you- this is a great time. It is awesome that you can experience it UC free !!

I am also glad to hear that you are getting better everyday.

I am having my reversal tomorrow at CC with Weiss. Finally!!! So my final journey with UC begins.
I wish you the very best and I have to thank YOU for helping ME through some tough times earlier this year.

JBlue!!!!!! You have to let me come visit you sometime at the hospital. I wish you all the best and tell Dr Weiss I said hi :)
He rocks and honestly, I would not have chosen anyone else to perform my surgery even if I could do it all over again.

Good luck and God bless. Let me know if it's ok for me to visit :)

Wow, Thanks for that story. I had my colon removed under emergency settings, so my JPouch is going to be a 3 parter. My second part (Removal of the rectum, and j-pouch creation) is scheduled for December 11th. Not sure when the 3rd part (the take down) will be, but Im hoping for some time by April 2010.

I do have a couple questions. How long did it take after the take down before you were comfortable leaving your house? Maybe a better question is How long until you werent affraid of having an accident?

Next question is How long after each surgery until you returned to work? Since I was so emaciated prior to the colon removal it took a full 2 months before I returned to work after. Im guessing if I was in good health, the second and third step should follow what is typical for most people.

Thanks,
John

Ucfree-

Congratulations on your new addition. There is something about the sweet joy of having a new baby that puts everything in perspective. Best Wishes to you and your wife.

That's a beautiful story. Thank you for sharing it for everyone. I know it will help others who are in this situation too.
Congratulations on your new baby girl. Take lots of pictures and write everything down for her. It doesn't seem like you could forget anything right now, but you will. Keep a journal.

Awesome for you!! Congrats:)