Sharon, thank you for sharing your experience and thoughts. I am afraid that I do feel my life ended when my j-pouch gave in ... I mean, I am still here, and not in immediate danger of dying, but I'm existing rather than living at the moment.
I am glad you are able to work part time. I wish I could have continued working, but the bloating and my living situation mean I can't sleep properly, and therefore can't muster the concentration (I'm an editor).
You are right that isolating yourself makes things worse. I have been making the effort to see friends. Most of them have no idea how hard it is for me, but I am trying to be accepting. After all, in order to understand, they would have to go through something that made them feel as bad as I do, and I certainly don't wish that!
Thanks again for replying,
Sarah