Is the bag reversable?

I haven't had the surgery, but I can answer the question. There are two types of surgery being done - reversible and irreversible. The reversible type is actually an intermediary step in doing the J-Pouch surgery. The procedure is usually done in 2 steps to maximize the chance of success and minimize complications. You are forced to wear a "bag" for a few months until the second part of the surgery is performed, when the terminal ileum is shaped into a pouch and connected to the rectum, reversing the ileostomy. So in that sense, it is reversible. But going back to pre-surgical state is obviously impossible, since you don't have a colon anymore. With J-Pouch surgery appearance of normalcy is preserved, but in reality things function somewhat differently (permanently loose stools, increased frequency, etc.). It's a compromise solution, but for many people it's worth it.

Thank you.  Sounds like an awful lot to go through.  I am 62 and also have high blood pressure and osteoporosis in addition to the ulcerative proctitis.  In August I saw a colorectal surgeon and he said I was not YET a candidate for surgery and that sometimes UC can "burn" itself out.  Let's hope that is what will happen.  My flares have been getting more frequent and more severe with my dependancy on prednisone going for longer periods of time.  Not too happy about this...but oh well, gotta take what life hands ya.

Some docs say that as you get older your immune system starts to lower which in turn can make it stop attacking your colon. That can be referred as Uc burning itself out. That is always not the case for some though.