My new life will start on April 21st

WOW Anthony. I am so happy for you!!! You're going to be so much better off and so much healthier. It will be nice to be able to go on vacation and not have to worry about pooping pants or taking medication! that sounds like a dream to me... Best of luck & keep coming back so I know how you are doing. Got any good stories to brighten my day???

Hooray, Anthony! I know how relieved I was to finally have a date for my surgery, and I'm sure you feel the same way. I'm not even a week post-op and I am loving it. Can't wait to hear how it all goes for you. Good luck and congratulations!

Hahaha at your story! That's hilarious!

But, best of luck with your surgery! We'll be looking forward to hearing about it and your recovery.

I am on the j-pouch track right now. I want to see how things go with the bag, and if I like it ... who knows, I may keep it!

Anthony 1977

I was just wondering about your fight with UC prior to the surgeon agreeing to do the surgery.  I am very happy for you.  I am sure you have given this a lot of thought and consideration.  What meds were you on?  When and how did you get diagnosed? etc...  The only reason I am asking is because I always surgery in the back of my mind, although Imuran seems to be working well for me right now.  Your signature doesn't have any details and I am new to this site.

Thanks

MyUC: I was diagnosed a 1.5 years ago but experienced symptoms 2 years before actually getting to a doctor. I have never gotten out of my flare over the 1.5 year period. I was on Prednisone, Lialda, Asacol, Colazol, 6MP, and the last of em Humira. Lucklily the Humira has kinda kept things where I can actually get to work to drop off the treasure instead of leaving it in my pants. I have had numerous accidents and my truck will be equally happy with me getting this surgery. One of the biggest decisions besides my quality of life is me becoming a fireman. I am on the list for NYC, and am currently a fireman in my local area. I have been inactive for some time because of it and I want back. The pain, like everyone here, is tremendous. I go to the bathroom on average about 10-25 times a day on average +/- 5 or so.

Red_34 ... haha, yeah ... the irony kills me ;) I promise to keep in touch with you all and let you know how things progress. I am getting my surgery done at Mt. Sinai in Manhattan. I am very happy right now. I don't think I have been this happy in a very long time though I never showed it. Love you all!

- A

Anthony, congrats!!! I am very excited for you-and glad you will get your life back and get back to being a fireman! That is just wonderful. I will be sending all sorts of good thoughts and prayers your way for your surgery, and am anxious to hear all about your progress!

MyUC:
I was diagnosed with pancolitis on the first round and continue to exhibit the same. My surgeon is def down with the surgery. He talked to me for a long time and I have to say I feel extremely comforted. He has emailed me 4 times this week making sure all was well and if I had anymore questions. As far as I know there were no signs of granulomas or dysplasia. I just want to live again. I have been locked down by this. It is hard to explain, but I have been flaky with plans because I don't know even what tomorrrow will bring and that is not the way this guy rolls! ;) I will def keep you guys updated on how it goes.

Notsosicklygirl: haha, trust me, I do know where the story ends up! I am just so used to going in my bathroom all the time and not even closing the door.

Supa: Thank you, you are a sweetheart. God I don't think I have been this crazily happy in such a long time.

Anthony1977,

My son (Dillon...age 18) has just finished his surgery journey. He had his colon removed last Sept, a J pouch built January and his reversal almost a month ago. It has been the best thing he ever did! Within a couple of days after having his colon removed you could see the "life" returning to him and within a month all the blood tests were coming back NORMAL. He actually had forgotten what it felt like to feel GOOD and have energy.

It is really important to go get up and WALK as much as possible, as soon as possible after surgery. The day after, the nurses will have you up and at least into a chair. The more you walk the quicker the intestines will start moving things through. Also, when you are first allowed liquids and food take it REALLY slow. You will be thirsty and hungry but this is so important.

If you have any questions we are happy to explain any part of our journey.

Cathy (and Dillon)

YAY for being healthy soon!!!
its going to be great!!!
And the pee story, i love it!!!
The year i had surgery, we went to the beach, and on the way home, i had to pee sooooo bad, and i was used to having to hunt a bathroom to poo, i never thought i would have to hunt one again! I ended up in a portapotty at a construcction site at house that was being built, where a tropper stopped and asked what was happening, it was HIS house that was being built!!! Luckily he understood, lol.

lol. And congrats on continuing on your path of being a fireman. It's a great profession.

     Anthony, the best of luck to you!!!  I will keep you in my prayers.  Please keep us posted on everything.

     I decided to go the surgery route if Humira fails.  I had this disease for over eleven years.  My longest remissions were two years after being diagnosed, then a flare for two months and another two year remission.  After flaring the third time, I was placed on 6MP along with the prednisone.  This really did not keep me in remission.  Long story short, since May of 08, I have been flaring almost steadily with maybe a ten month remission total.  Needless to say, I have just about had it.

    I have a few good colorectal surgeons lined up but cannot decide to have the surgery here in south Jersey (only one GOOD colorectal surgeon here), at the Univ of PA hosp  or Thomas Jefferson Hosp in Philly.  My GI doctor wants to consult with a top notch GI doctor whom he sent me to in Sept and is affliliated with the Univ of PA Hosp..  Decisions, decisions!!