Hi Kaelykopis,
The journey to my jpouch was a windy road. And the decision was not really my choice, but one the disease made for me. However, if I really knew what kind of independence & quality of life I would have had, I would have done it sooner rather than wait until I didn't have a choice.
Being able to go to the bathroom without anxiety. Being able to have a more active role in my son's day to day needs. To be able to travel and not be sooo attached to the bathroom. And to decrease my pain by 60% was pretty awesome.
If you are at a point where your meds are not working and your doctor is considering surgery, you should really have a conversation with him/her. Breakdown all of the pros and cons. Get details about post surgical treatment options. And talk about all your surgical options, including whether it will be a 2 step or a 3 step. You have options. Talk it out.
-Brooke
(inflammatoryboweldisease.net Team Member)