I was diagnosed with mild to moderate ulcerative colitis in May 2009. By October the disease had turned severe and my colon was expanding quickly. I had an emergency colectomy and a temporary ileostomy. 7 weeks later, I had my reversal with a jpouch. Over the course of the next 2 years I was miserable (chronic severe proctitis, cuffitis). Turned out that UC was attacking the 1cm of rectal tissue that had been left. I had that removed, did great for a month, then developed severe anal strictures that were refractory to treatment. I also developed pouchitis as a result of the strictures. I chose to take control of my life and went back to a temp ileo and then a perm ileo. I also have had a hysterectomy, an emergency surgery in Jan 2012 for adhesions that had killed part of my small bowel, some problem strictures, and a complete small bowel obstruction. In April 2012 I had a stoma revision.

I've come to accept my ostomy and be glad that I have it.

What's your IBD story and how are you doing now?

Charis