Hi Everyone - Good News

I'm sorry I haven't been here too often, I guess in some ways that is a good thing, but in others it's bad because I need to give back support to others having issues like I did when I was going thru my rough patch earlier this year. (wheeewhhh that was a long sentence!) :)

For those of you who don't know ... I had UC for over 10 years, had the 1st step surgery in April 2009, reversal in June 2009, and am a recovering JPoucher now :)

I have had a tough time with pouchitis ever since the reversal and anti-biotics have some killer side effects! I am pleased to say that for the first time in 10 years, I FEEL healthy again. I am able to wake up in the mornings, I am able to stay awake in the evenings and most of all I am able to enjoy my daughter! (My wife and I had our first this past October)

I can't thank everyone here enough, you guys pulled me thru this. I have pouchitis beat now, I'm only taking probiotics and 2 lomotils a day (which I hope will go away also, but I'd be fine this way too!).

I am truly grateful. My daughter is keeping me very busy now, and I'm able to focus on my work and not be troubled by emergencies and rushing to the bathroom. This is truly a miracle.

2009 was tough, a hurdle, but we jumped it and we're smooth sailin!!!

Happy Holidays everyone and all the best for the New Year!!!

Hey UC free

Thanks so much for posting this - it really gives me hope! I have part one in a few weeks - I hope too to be able to enjoy life and our kids again soon.

So so pleased for you! I hope that you really really enjoy your holiday and new year :)

Congrats UC free. What a motivating success story. Rosemary

Congrats UC Free this must be one hurdle of many that you have cleared. I am happy for you and your family. May the year 2010 bring you peace, joy and good luck.

Hi UCFree,

Congratulations on your GREAT news!  With a new baby and a new lease on life, your 2010 is bound to be a wonderful year! Best wishes to you and your family. 

 I do want to ask you a question tho.  I had my reversal surgery in May 2008 and have been a j-poucher since then (also a former UC sufferer) and I'm still having constant battles with pouchitis.  I've tried all kinds of things, antibiotics, probiotics, etc., but it seems that once I finish up with an antibiotic that works, the pouchitis is back within a week or two.  How did you go about taming the beast and what was the method that finally worked?

P.S.  For those with upcoming surgeries, please don't be discouraged.  This is the exception, not the rule and I want to emphasize that even pouchitis is 100x better than UC!!!