You sound so much like me! I finally knew when enough was enough! I've had my wonderful J-pouch since 2002 and have never looked back! I decided to keep my temporary ileostomy for an entire year because I finally felt so great and could eat and drink everything.....plus......I was in control! Having the ileostomy takedown was a breeze for me because I was well healed from the proctocolectomy. I've had very few issues with my J-pouch. A few bouts of pouchitis which responded to antibiotics. Oh......I'm 75 years old so age made no difference in my case! Best wishes!