I just had surgery less than 3 months ago, and I'm so incredibly thankful every day to have my life back. I opted for a permanent ileo because my dr wasn't sure if I had UC or Crohn's, but I seriously couldn't love it more. NO MORE DIARRHEA! No more getting up 3 hours before I leave in the mornings! The possibility of having kids and actually being able to take care of them!
I never considered surgery through 10 years of IBD and through every single drug (see my signature). I became completely dependent on pred and developed osteopenia, and before my surgery I was not eating ANYTHING and was down to 92 lbs (I am 5'6). I had diarrhea with blood 20+ times a day and was in so much pain. It was not a hard choice at all to have the surgery, but now that I did it I can't believe that I tried so many stupid diets and restrictions on my eating and drugs with insane side effects and blah blah BLAH!
I've had some complications from surgery--frequent kidney stones and some other bladder issues--but I'm still so glad I did it. I can't believe I was so afraid of it before.