This topic is about someone who went through a challenging medical journey and is now preparing for a significant surgical procedure called a "W"-pouch reversal. This procedure follows an emergency total colectomy and ileostomy, which was necessary due to a severe health crisis. Here's a bit more about their experience and some advice they received:

- The person experienced a severe flare-up of bloody diarrhea in May 2010, leading to an emergency hospital admission. This resulted in significant weight and muscle loss, constant vomiting, and severe abdominal pain.
- Despite trying various medications, including high-dose steroids and infliximab, relief was minimal, prompting an urgent total colectomy with an end ileostomy.
- Recovery, although complicated, was relatively quick, and the stoma healed well. Now, the individual is preparing for a "W"-pouch ileo-anal anastomosis scheduled for January 21, 2011, and plans to share the outcome afterward.

Some additional insights and advice shared include:

1. The entire colon was removed, and the first few weeks in the hospital were extremely difficult, but overall recovery felt fortunate compared to others.
2. Currently, the person is in better shape, engaging in regular running and golf to build stamina before the reversal surgery.
3. They expect the early days with the pouch to involve frequent bathroom visits, possible pouchitis, weight loss, and a diet of mostly liquid or soft foods, like tomato soup.
4. They have a supportive stoma nurse and a highly experienced surgeon who has successfully performed many pouch procedures.
5. Although hopeful to avoid complications, they lack personal contacts who have undergone a reversal, leaving them uncertain about what to expect.

Advice and insights from others include:

- Building physical strength before surgery is crucial, as the reversal can be quite challenging, and being fit aids in recovery.
- Many who have had the procedure say it was the best decision they made, and being young is an advantage. The hardest part, which is the disease removal, is already over.
- It's important to seek medical help early rather than trying to endure symptoms, as delaying can worsen outcomes.
- There is a lot of support, with members offering prayers, positive thoughts, and encouragement for a smooth operation and quick recovery.