Is there anything I can do to help my husband?

I mentioned to Josh that I thought I was a little busy and we had a lot going so I might not post anymore and he acted disappointed, so I am going to keep on for him. He really enjoys all the words of support and understanding, he really hasn't got anyone to talk to since he has not even told his family about his surgery yet, & He has already said he plans on getting on and talking to everyone soon. He is taking the surgery pretty well considering everything, but he sure could use people to talk to who can understand it. I try but I realize I have never been in his situation so there is no way for me to understand. Thank you all so much for your concern and understanding!

Well I finally have my internet back so heres a good update: Josh is still doing GREAT considering. Yesterday just the day after his surgery he was able to get up and move around some! It wasn't much but he seemed to do very well, and I was very proud of him even if it was only a little bit around the room. His doctor said everyday they are just planning to increase his movements, so he will probably get to do more today. He is still on the Iv and they haven't attempted clear liquids yet, Josh is kinda excited to actually try something, so hopefully in the next few days if not tomorrow. He has been very shocked at how much better he feels, the surgery wasn't nearly as bad as he thought it would be. Now his biggest issue is the stoma. He is really nervous about it and isn't really wanting to look at it or learn about it right now, The doctor says that just from shock. Hopefully he will get more comfortable with it soon. But I wanted to say Thank you all again! I have learned a lot from being on here and have learned more from here then I could have from anywhere else, just from advice and reading other topics. I can only really say I wish I would have gotten on here sooner. I have never known much about Josh's Uc mainly because he never wanted to talk about it and got upset as soon as I brought it up, so I never understood just how serious his flare up had gotten or else I would have made him go the Er much sooner. And Josh never pushed to get help because he was to embarrassed. But once again Thank You all very much :) Ill try to post another update tonight sometime!

His doctor talked to him a little about the Jpouch before surgery but hasn't really said anything since. I know before the surgery Josh seemed to really like the idea but said he was nervous about having more stuff done. Ill be sure to show him that site though. I feel like in the long run he will be pretty interested.

So awesome his surgery went well! Sending healing vibes to Josh! And a lot of support to both of you...***Hug****

Hey bmb12 and Josh.

I have no advice to give, but want you to know that you're not alone. In the past several months I've had to cancel out on a number of hiking/biking/camping trips with friends and scouts as well as leave my two soccer teams. Colitis just made it all impossible to do. It's hard letting those things go, but hopefully we can find what we need to heal and get back to the things we love.

I hope Josh is still recovering well and hope the best for both of you!

Bmb and Josh - having a lifelong chronic illness that makes you "poop" a lot is a hard disease to handle and I can totally understand why one would keep it secret from their family and friends. I used to be the same way. I kept it a secret for nearly 10 years before I finally opened up and when I did, my MIL told me, "Well, why did you tell me in the first place?!" I love her to pieces btw! :)

But I found out that as soon as someone learns that you have a chronic illness or even surgery, they can understand in ways that you didn't think possible. Sure, they may never know fully what it's like but at least it's out in the open and not only the physical healing can begin but the emotional aspect as well. I think for men, that it's a bit harder for them to let go of their emotions due to social statuses and whatnot. Every circumstance is different of course, but if he has a supportive family, than he should tell them what he had and the surgery that followed.

I am wishing nothing but the best for you both. And as you can see that you have already had 4 (maybe 5 now!) pages devoted to helping you and your husband, that we ALL wish you guys well! :)

bmb,

Glad all is going much better for Josh.