I wanted to update. I am doing very, very well. The possible only updates to my original post MANY years ago (I forgot how long it's been!) is I no longer wear any type of pad for leakage. I'm pretty active (now 62 Y/O). I would say I'm normal, but go to the BR a few more times a day and, maybe the biggest issue I have is all the noise my stomach makes lying in bed at night after I sneak a late bite to eat! I only wish you all the very best. I am a very lucky guy. (Recap, three different ileostomies, lots of corrective surgeries and final redo by Dr. Remzi with great success!) Sorry for not posting more!