This topic is about a young woman who is trying to decide whether to keep her permanent ileostomy or undergo a surgical procedure to reconnect her small bowel to her rectum after having a total colectomy due to ulcerative colitis (UC). She is weighing her options carefully, considering both her current quality of life and potential future complications.

Here are some points and advice that might help in making this decision:

1. Life with her current ileostomy is manageable and even positive, as she no longer has to constantly search for a toilet and experiences less pain.

2. She is concerned about potential complications from the reconnection surgery, such as incontinence, night-time urgency, the possibility of needing Caesarean births, and pelvic scarring that could affect fertility.

3. She wants to enjoy her youth, plan a wedding, and eventually have children without facing more long recovery periods.

4. She is meeting with her surgeon soon and is seeking real-life experiences from others to help inform her decision.

Additional considerations:

- She is 22 years old and a public patient under Medicare in Perth, Australia, with limited access to second opinions. Her fiancé is supportive and attends all medical appointments with her. She has not experienced any post-operative complications so far.

Advice and insights from others:

1. Prepare thoroughly for the surgical consultation by writing down all questions and bringing a supportive friend or relative.

2. If possible, seek at least one second opinion from another surgeon to better understand the risks and benefits of each option.

3. One person shared their experience of having an ileostomy at 19, followed by a reversal 9 months later, which led to 20 years of severe problems. They eventually chose a permanent ileostomy with rectum removal and have felt much better since, enjoying a full-time job and sports without worrying about toilet access.

4. Living with a stoma can present challenges related to body image and lifestyle, but many people adjust successfully with the help of family support.

5. It's important to stay hopeful, recognize the progress made so far, and choose the option that best preserves quality of life.