Next Week My Ulcerative Colitis Nightmare Ends!!!

On Friday, March 9th, 2018, my very sick colon is being removed!!! I'm so ready!!!

Four and a half years ago, I was convinced that medications would keep me in remission. First was Prednisone and Asacol... failed!! Then I was on a trial drug. My GI developed almost all the UC/Crohn's drugs. Either I got the placebo or the wrong dose, but I started getting much sicker. Work became impossible; I'm a chef and a fromager (a cheese expert), and I'm sober for 10 years... so then I tried Remicade! In two weeks, I felt like I was cured... for almost two years, I was in remission, and then one day it stopped working!!! Eventually, all the drugs failed. All the advice about gluten and probiotics fell into the same garbage pail.

Then on December 12, my GI asked if I was ready to have the surgery???

YES PLEASE!!!! My wife and I are so grateful for the support and love here!!! You've calmed my fears and given us hope!!

This sounds a lot like what I went through, and I finally had the surgery: total proctocolectomy with anus removed. I'm glad I had it all done at the same time, but it was a hard recovery as I was so sick and run down. That was 33 years ago, and my ileostomy hasn't held me back from living a full life. Good luck.

This is great news. I too wish you well and a strong recovery. Hope you come and let us know how you're doing.

All the best to you... keep cooking and studying that cheese.
Kathy

My Ostomy Journey: Kimberly | Hollister

Hi Rozanskyism, Welcome to MAO and best wishes to you and your recovery from surgery. It is 5 years for me this month. I was an UC late bloomer too. In one short year, I went from healthy to ill to surgery. Stanley, my stoma, was born. Take care and well wishes for a quick recovery. Sincerely, LadyHope

Four years and counting since I had the ileostomy. Truth: I suffered from colitis too when one day I passed out at home due to an intestinal blockage with sepsis. I would go from loose bowels to constipation. I ended up in a self-induced coma for four weeks, and recovery was difficult afterwards. I woke up unprepared and frantic at the first sight of the bag, but I realized after some time passed that it was the best thing that ever happened to me. Keep in mind that there are many ostomy bag brands available, and Google and call the companies for free samples. Also, check out ostomy wraps/underwear at ostomysecrets.com if you choose to be discreet. Good luck, my friend, and you will never regret it and surgery—easy peasy. Take care, M

It will be the best move of your life. It becomes second nature, so easy. It's amazing.

I hope you have adjusted well. I am sure you are enjoying the freedom to go and do without all of the worries.

Hi Morning Glory....it's Marsha. Thanks for "liking my profile." If you want to chat....please write. Always open to new friends... As for your issues with fruit, etc.... It's similar to mine....with salads, on an empty stomach. I can't do it. If I do....I get the runs within the hour.....and then the hard-to-digest fibrous "stuff" stays stuck, sometimes causing a blockage. I never had the issues when I was younger (a kid), but it's increased over the last 10 years. So I start my meal with bread, or carbs, or meat...and save some salad or fruit (sparingly) for later. It's all trial and error now, with foods and timing... Best of luck. Hope to hear from you.

Hi InMarsh, I have enjoyed reading your comments and about your travels. Thanks for responding to my comment on fruits and veggies. I too stumbled upon this site, and have debated about joining. I just became a member. I hope to find my way around the site. I am not tech-savvy. Write anytime. I enjoy making friends too. I am a little shy but not overly.

Hi Morning Glory, We can't be too shy if we talk about how we "sh-t." It's good that you're a member now. I paid yearly for a few years and then forgot and let it lapse. When I returned, I paid the lifetime amount, figuring I'm going to have my ostomy for a lifetime. If you have any other questions or just want to chat, please write. Best regards, Marsha

Hi Morning Glory, you are the first person I have talked to on this site and am not quite sure what the proper etiquette is. I have gone over the site and seen what a diverse group we ostomates are. I guess that the ostomydemon is truly "equal opportunity." I have been attending ostomate meetings here in Tucson and have learned a lot, but would welcome any hints you may have. I like the fact that you love to laugh and go to church... me too. Hoping we could be friends. Regards

Dear Siegel,
I am so sorry for the delay in responding to your message. I just saw it for the first time. Yes, we ostomates are just like everyone in the world...diverse. We are all unique. I am new to the site but will be happy to answer any questions you have. I had my surgery in 1987. I think it is great you are in a support group. The people on this site are very helpful too. Write me anytime. I am glad we share interest; laughter is truly great medicine.
Regards
Rebecca

Hi Rebecca, thanks for your messages. I am going up to Portland to see my sister, so I will be offline for a while. I would like to know more about you. My name is Roger, by the way.
Regards, Roger