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Hi guys

Haven't been on here in ages. Im a 28 yo girl with ulcerative colitis and I remember when I was going through all this i would trawl this forum constantly for any kind of success stories. I promised myself on my one year anniversary I would come back on here and hopefully repay the favour. This site helped me get through it all. Well my one year anniversary came and went 2 months ago and I only just realised.

I could go on for hours but basically from the point of being diagnosed to my final takedown, it was 18 months of absolute hell. My entire life was ripped out from underdeath me and I was certain I'd never ever get it back. It's not without its challenges but I've definitely got my life back and more. In the past 12 month I've:

* Completed my studies to be a lawyer
* Found a new job
* Been with my boyfriend for 10 months (ladies nothing about my new system seems to bother him)
*Run a marathon!!!
* Been travelling

And the list goes on. I know I'm very fortunate and there are ppl who aren't having a good time but please know happiness with a j pouch is possible and very likely. It sounds cliched but with a positive attitude you're half way there. I would give anything to go back and tell myself this 2 years ago but ill settle for telling anyone out there going through that very scary and uncertain time.

Pm me if you want to chat. I'll try and get better at coming on again. Catch yas. Hope everyone is well!!!!!
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Kathy, I presume you mean "coloned" people (darn autocorrect!!) Ha!

Yes, Jbear, what a difference a year makes, eh? I guess it is an easier path to acceptance for those of us with severe disease before surgery. Those who had to ave surgery for dysplasia or cancer likely have a more difficult time being appy with their function. But still, better than dead, right?

Thanks for coming back to remind us that it does get better, and can even be great! You've accomplished so much, and should be proud!

Jan Smiler
jbear - your story sounds just like mine...except I had the surgery for low grade dysplasia only. BUT, I'm 1.5 years since a 1 stage J pouch surgery, doing quite well and ran my first marathon in January 2013! Woohoo...life is good and I agree it is nice to hear positive stories. I credit this board for giving me the information and support I needed during a very difficult decision making process. I also come back from time to time to "check in". I've had a round of pouchitis in the last 6 months and came back to read up on that too! (BTW, I think Cipro has taken care of that...we will see if it comes back or not)

Keep living...life is good!
JG & Jbear you both are an inspiration that is for sure. thanks for checking in and updating us on how you are doing. I am one year out from takedown and although I haven't done anything close to what you have accomplished I too feel like a success story. For me it is because I am finally off all meds now except my daily probiotic. I thought for sure I would never be able to function without cipro or flagyl. (hopefully I am not jinxing myself)
I survived my half ironman (1.2 mile swim, 53 mile bike, 13.1 mile run) two days ago, finished in 6 hours 16 mins on a beautiful fall day, sunny, a bit windy, 70 degrees in Richmond VA. I so far have not gotten Giardia from swimming in the James River. Next month off to New Zealand for 3 weeks vacation with wife (no kids, last one off to UVA in August). Will do a 26 mile trail run there. June is Comrades 56 mile run in South Africa.

Don't let UC or a J pouch stop you from doing some interesting things!

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