TE Marie-did I see you are having surgery the end of this month? I hope the diversion gives your pouch some time to rest and recover. I think I am mentally ready for the pouch removal but I also feel how does one ever know if they are really ready until that stoma is there. I have lost way too many summers with my kids to this disease. Things always fall apart for me when the weather is warmer...never happens when I am stuck in the house in the middle of winter!! I am 41 and my pouch has gotten me through my younger years which I am grateful for. I wish you the best of luck with everything b/c the idea of an ileostomy is still scary whether it is temporary or permanent. I am aiming for surgery in October.