I just read your post under ByeByeUC's topic, "Going on Two Years With J-Pouch". I wanted to respond to you because I had my surgery at the age of 63. I was NOT a candidate for j-pouch for several reasons the least of all my age. I suffered with ulcerative proctitis for twelve long years and was dependent on prednisone for two years prior to my operation, but was on the drug off and on since my diagnosis in 1998. Prednisone gave me full blown osteoporosis, uncontrollable high blood pressure and type 2 diabetes. Because of these other life threatening illnesses, my surgeon thought j-pouch would be too risky for me. When I told him I had no problem with the thought of wearing a "bag", he was surprised but scheduled my operation. Because I was on Humira, the surgeon wanted to wait at least six weeks to make sure the drug was out of my system. I tried weaning off the prednisone before my operation, but whenever I got down to 20 mgm my symptoms returned with a vengence.
I had my operation, total colectomy with end ileostomy, on June 28, 2010. While not exactly a walk in the park, I had a few, non-life threatening complications and some minor problems about a month post op, the operation was a major plus.
I no longer have diabetes. My blood pressure is well controlled with only one 25 mgm pill of Toprol per day. Where I once took 17 - 25 pills daily plus rectal meds for my UP....I only take that one Toprol per day...no other meds besides my calcium with D. If I only knew back in 1998 the agony I was going to go through with medications and suffering, I would have had that operation way back then. I will be 66 in August and, other than that darn osteoporosis, am in great health. My family doctor said there is no reason I cannot enjoy another twenty GOOD years!!! 
Living with a bag is no big deal. I don't even realize it's there. I empty it about four times a day.
My surgeon told me I had made the right decision. My rectum was badly diseased. My FORMER GI doctor was very upset that I chose surgery, all he wanted to do was try more and more meds. I was tired of being his guinea pig. 6MP, Remicade and Humira all failed.
So, there is light at the end of the tunnel.