This topic is about preparing for a proctocolectomy surgery, which involves removing the colon and rectum. The person sharing their experience has been living with an ileostomy for nearly two years after emergency surgery for ulcerative colitis. They have decided against having a J-pouch due to hearing about negative experiences from others. Here are some insights and advice shared by others who have gone through similar experiences:

- The person had been on infliximab infusions for about a year, but stopped because it seemed to worsen their condition. They also have a lower-abdominal hernia that will be repaired during the proctocolectomy.

- They are dealing with active ulcerative colitis in the remaining colon, experiencing moderate to severe flares that they manage at home due to difficulty in getting GP appointments.

- Recently, they have noticed new urinary urgency, where the need to urinate becomes immediate with little warning. They are curious about what to expect after the proctocolectomy and if others have experienced bladder issues before or after the surgery.

Here are some helpful insights from others:

1. Temporary bladder issues are common after surgery:
- Many people reported experiencing a loss of urinary control or weak flow right after surgery, especially after catheter removal.
- Symptoms like urgency, dribbling, or lack of pressure were common, but most found that control gradually returned over a few weeks to months.

2. Post-operative recovery experiences:
- One person shared that they experienced an ileus, had an 18-day hospital stay, and required TPN via a PICC line, but eventually returned to eating normally and feeling better.
- Expect some discomfort in the buttock/rectal wound area, often described as having the "butt sewn up." The pain is usually manageable without strong medication.

3. Practical comfort tip:
- Consider investing in a very soft pillow or cushion to sit on while the rectal wound area heals.

4. J-pouch caution:
- Someone who switched from a subtotal colectomy to a J-pouch and then back to an ileostomy due to chronic pouchitis and cuffitis confirmed that such complications can persist even after disconnection, supporting the decision to avoid a J-pouch.