I am from outside the US. Originally from England but now living in New Zealand. My hubby was diagnosed with UC not long after we got together about 19 years ago. We were very lucky and had a period of about 10 years with practically no symptoms at all. When we emigrated he had a flare up, which basically never got fully under control. Things got to the point in 2011 whereby the drugs no longer worked and J pouch surgery was his only option. It has been a real struggle since then, especially for him - but I am finding it hard too!. When he was having discussions about surgery, it was kinda indicated that this surgery would be the best thing since sliced bread and he would wish he had it done years ago. I think he got in his head that he would be drug and pain free for the first time in a long time. Well, it hasn't happened that way and he has really struggled with this. He gets very down and I can't blame him - but I try to keep him going and keep positive. I have been feeling very emotional just recently (we also had earthquakes here in NZ which I am sure have not helped). I worry about his relationship with our 13 year old daughter too. As a typical 13 year old, she doesn't understand that quite often he feels crap - she just sees that he can be grumpy. We have a really good marriage, and we love each other very much - he tells me this all the time. I am just glad I have hopefully found somewhere to communicate with people going through the same.
Thanks for listening
