Ileal Pouch Anal Anastomosis

This week I found out that I'm going to have to have surgery. According to my doctor I have become steroid dependent and there's nothing else they can do for me. This is definitely something that has not been easy for me to accept. I was really hoping that the Simponi would help me.

I talked with the surgeon yesterday. I will be having what's called the Ileal Pouch Anal Anastomosis (j-pouch surgery). The surgeon told me that he will be able to do it with two surgeries instead of three (THANK GOODNESS!). The first surgery will involve them removing my large intestine (colon) and creating a loop ileostomy. Six weeks after that, if I've healed up properly, I will have the takedown surgery where they will reconnect everything and I will be able to go the the potty like a normal human being.

I am completely amazed and humbled by the amount of support I have been getting from so many different people. Some people have been complete strangers to me until recently. I am in contact with four different UCers who had their colons removed. 3 out of the 4 have j-pouches. One of them still has an ostomy (she has for about 40 years now) and tells me that she has never looked back. All of them have told me that their quality of life greatly improved immediately after the surgery... and that is so encouraging.

I am also amazed at the number of people who are praying for me. I truly believe that God gives you exactly what you need exactly when you need it.

I will be documenting my journey through these surgeries. There are many, many people with blogs out there who have done the same thing. If I can reach and help at least one person out there who is going through something similar, I will be at peace knowing that this suffering I've gone through hasn't been for nothing.

If you are suffering from UC or Crohn's, please know that you are NOT alone. Stand tall. Keep fighting. You will get through this. It may not be easy, but I truly believe there is a reason for everything. When you conquer this, you will be stronger and wiser. Until then, hold on and know that you are in my thoughts and prayers.