colitis progression/frustration

So, I was diagnosed with sever ulcerative pancolitis in August after a colonoscopy (and a few months of serious constant bloody painful diarrhea).

First was Lialda. No progress.

Second was Prednisone. Some progress but no remission. Some reduced frequency and lessened pain.

Third was Imuran. Very little/no help so far.

I decided a while ago that I wanted to have ileostomy surgery seeing as how, even if i started seeing results, I'd have to be on the immune supressors for the forseeable future, and I hate the risk of cancer and side effects. I have a consult with a surgeon on Tuesday.

Now here is the curveball... my gastroenterologist is wondering now if I might have IBS in addition to colitis. So I am having a stool sample examined and I will possibly be having another colonoscopy.

If it turns out that I am also having IBS in addition to the colitis, should this prevent me from having the ileostomy surgery? I was really happy with my decision to have the surgery and I don't like the fact that something different could also be going on... anyones thoughts?

Seems like a colectomy would take care of both UC and IBS? I agree with you, I would rather have a colectomy than be on immune suppressors for the rest of my life.

Thanks. I agree also that I should find out whats going on first. I just feel like there are so many variables... and when I have good days its hard to tell whether its just a wave of good days or there is a reason that I feel good.