Living with Crohn's and an Ileostomy at 27

So I am 27 years old, I have no kids and have never been married. I have had my ileostomy for 3 years now, and it is permanent. I had a temporary one for about a year and I had it reversed, but the reversal failed and I had a permanent one put on. I was originally diagnosed with Ulcerative Colitis in 2005, and then after three surgeries and the reversal, I was rediagnosed with Crohn's disease in 2006. Since having the ileostomy put back on, I have been relatively healthy, so I am thankful, but at the same time I sometimes think to myself why did this happen. I know I cannot think like this because I can't live my life like that. So I try to have a positive outlook on life because with all that I have been through I really shouldn't be here. So I am thankful for my life now.

I know what you mean. Mine was life or death also, but it is very weird sometimes. I was in the bathroom on an airplane, and I just leaned over because I happened to poo when changing it, and I thought, wow, if someone looked in right now, and I was pooing from my stomach, they would freak out. I had to laugh though... so strange...

Your story is very familiar to me. I had pretty much the same problem. I was first diagnosed with UC and had a series of j-pouch surgeries only to find out I have Crohn's. It's half a year since I've had a permanent ileostomy. It's good to hear you have been healthy afterwards. It gives me hope for the future.

I would love to chat with you! Your story sounds oh so similar to mine. I just recently had my ileostomy reversed and I have a J-pouch and I am already having problems with it. I am not over this mentally. I am having a terrible time dealing with this.