Hey,
I've been using this site for a while now and although this is my first post I have got a lot of information and support from reading your messages, thank you.
And seeing as I have gotten so much from the stories of those on this site I feel that I should put up my own. I was diagnosed with UC in April 2004 after suffering for six months. Since then I have run the pharmaceutical gauntlet trying everthing from steroids to my latest attempt (which turned out to be a failure) Remicade. Then about two weeks ago, Dec 4, I was admitted to hospital with the condition getting worse and worse, for a total proctocolectomy...good times ;). So now, after five years of ups and downs, and I must admit there have been a lot of ups aswell in that time (I have managed to finish college, meet a great girl, travel the world - that provided a lot of 'interesting UC moments'), I am disease free!! I have a bag, for the next nine months at least. The surgeon thought it best to do the procedure in 3 stages. My next op will be in May please God and the take down August.
So here I am at home, feeling well, the op was laproscopic which really helped my recovery, plus I had a total revamp of my diet over the past twelve months, avoiding all processed foods, sugars and grains, only eating organinc foods and drinking water...with the odd latte, gotta love them!
For the most part things are going really well, my GF and family tell me I amn't looking so gaunt anymore, I was pretty sick before the op with about 15-25 bms a day. Though I have to admit that it is taking some time to get used to the bag...ive had a few leaks already, small ones, but not fun.
Anyway, thats my story, in brief...this site really helped me over the last year, and I dont think I would be as positive as i feel I am without it so for that, thank you to everyone who has shared their story before me.
P