Success story here! Got diagnosed with UC when I was 19 - so bad I had to drop out of college. Lived with UC for 20 years after that going on and off high doses of prednisone - I was able to get a good job, married, had children but the constant flare ups sucked. Finally my gastro did a colonoscopy and said my colon has to go. Went to NY Columbia Presbyterian and Dr. Jeffrey Milsom gave me my life back. The surgery was a bitch but the first time I farted without poop coming out was one of the best days of my life lol. Have had the pouch for 16 years and yeah its not the best solution but I can eat anything I want, go to bathroom when I want and no more blood or prednisone. Psyllium husk everyday and sometimes immodium and I can limit my poops to 5 or 6 a day. My only issue nowadays is I have inflammation in my back/neck and have to take humira. Other than that I am grateful for my pouch everyday.