Having my total colectomy/ileostomy surgery tomorrow (Monday)!

I am having my colectomy with end ileostomy tomorrow! The plan is, barring unforeseen circumstances, for the ileostomy to be permanent (getting a proctectomy/barbie butt later on down the line). I've been sick for 5 years and medically refractory to everything except mesalamines which have not controlled my disease well enough. I'm anxious to get it over with but also terrified for recovery. I live alone, but my surgeon (and also NSSG) have assured me that I can do it even living alone.

Oh, I just saw this. Congrats on having the surgery. How are you holding up? It's tough for a UCer to live with the rectum. You have all the doors open to you at the moment though, you could still go to a jpouch if you want, or you can close up and make the ileo perm. How are you getting along with the ileo? Did you get sample supplies to try? It's pretty easy once you get the hang of it. I had to live with an ileo and my rectum for 12 weeks, and for me, my rectum stayed quite well-behaved. I know a lot of people who were in a terrible state, living with a severely inflamed rectum... I haven't been on this ostomy board in too long. I will pop in and look out for you more