We've all been there man. I was there 2 years ago. I just had my takedown surgery 10 weeks ago and I can tell you life is pretty good. I'm definitely not normal like I was before I had UC but I'm ok. I just got back in the gym 3 weeks ago and my workouts are getting better and better. I can only speak for myself but a jpouch isn't that bad at all. I'm still trying to figure it out but so far I can eat just about anything. I don't have accidents. I'm pretty normal except I poop more often. I think you'll be ok. When you get healthy again just make sure you don't take it for granted. Eat clean. Workout. Really take care of yourself. It's sad that for most people something bad has to happen for them to really take care of themselves. Just remember that although this site is full of nice people with good advice. It's also full of people with problems. Not everybody has problems with a jpouch. In fact most people don't.