Hi! I also, was dx with UC in 98. It almost killed me I had 54 polyps but non cancerous. Miracle!! It was the inflammation so bad throughout the entire colon. I was on prednisone for months & lived with UC for 13 yrs on 13 pills a day of sulphazidin. It worked thanks to Temple Hospital in Philadelphia & my team of drs. Never thought I would have another relapse like the first onset. It was fierce & my dr said I was so bad the colon had to b removed & once again I might not make it. No meds worked anymore. I did the 3 part surgery @ Temple Hospital with the head GI surgeon. I trusted completely. I have the J pouch since 2013 & I'm 63.
The Question can u travel & live a normal life. It will be your new normal. Everyone is different, but for me I can't travel far. This is life changing. You have to come up with a plan for diet, exercise, & bathroom a biggie!! Out put goes hand & hand with what u eat. It's a tough surgery and long recovery. Too much to go into but be prepared & do your homework & find not only a good surgeon but be sure the hospital is qualified for this. Honestly, I would have never gone this route if there was another option. Best of Luck