I was also shocked when I was told my colon had to go. But when it’s gotta go it’s gotta go. 26 years later, my only real regret is not having the surgery sooner than I did. Although I don’t have a perfect J pouch, I have a treatable form of chronic pouchitis or Crohn’s which is vastly preferable to the out of control ulcerative colitis that consumed my colon. The way I look at is I traded up or upgraded, if you will, in diseases. Quality of life is good and the last 26 years was vastly superior to the 20 years of UC that preceded it.
Good luck Nick. It’s a shock now but there may be better days ahead.