Hello old friends (and new ones), I wanted to tell you we are planning to talk to a surgeon (my GI is coming with us!) to discuss my having a total colectomy. It has been 10 years of every medicine and varying degrees of remission. Remi put me in full remission in 07. When restarting remi after my charcot surgery last year - it hasn't worked nearly as well.
That said - and the prospect of additional leg surgeries has moved us to plan for the total removal option. I have to stop remi for the surgeries - and it was the return of colitis that made me suffer last year. With the removal of my colon, I won't need 20+ bedpan events and assistance a day.
I have had to give up my cooking and gardening this last year - but the higher spirits are trying to teach me a lesson to let go of "things" and embrace life more simply. Let's hope I succeed.
I will also probably have two new prosthetic legs sometime next year. Without the bathroom issues - the recovery should be easier.
As usual, I am lucky to have the wife I do, she has been there for me every minute - and life without a diseased colon will mkae her life easier as well.
I am zen with my decision, and that of my GI. And will start to visit the ostomy board for some needed help there.
I will continue to check in here as often as my tempermental pc will let me these days.
With love to all,
bob