Gin, I echo the replies as well. I just had my one year anniversary of my pouch excision. Ever since the recovery I have had zero issues. No pills, no pain and no fistulas (and no more need of daily maxi pads)! It all healed up once the pouch was removed! I too loved my pouch and was sad to say good bye, but the fistulas were just getting worse and there was no way to heal them.
I feel so good and healthy and am doing everything I want! My ileostomy is pretty easy to handle and doesn't add too much to my daily routine. My favorite thing is sleeping through the night
Best wishes!
Laura