Hello everyone! I'm a newbie. I am 41 years old, married with 2 wonderful boys. I was diagnosed with Crohn's disease in July 2000. It was 80% involved in the large bowel. 11 1/2 years later, I have been in and out of the hospital, have tried 6-mp, been on the dreaded Prednisone, Azathioprine, Flagyl, Asacol, Folic Acid, blah blah! On December 14th, I will undergo an abdominoperineal resection. Wow. The surgeons are amazed that I am not full of colon cancer, so I'll take that miracle and run with it! My last colonoscopy was obviously not good, he had to stop a bit past the transverse colon, so getting past the hepatic flexure and down from there proved too dangerous. I am scared, but ready. I have lots of scarring "down there" from giving birth to big babies, and have 2 other surgeries under my belt including a hysterectomy and gallbladder. I must admit, I am somewhat concerned with my appearance sporting around an ileostomy, but am most concerned with comfort, clothing wear, leaks, and skin issues. After all, I have thin, pale Irish skin! It has immensly helped me reading all of your stories, and I strive to continue to just move forward, and to gain as much info as I can prior to surgery. Thanks to all of you for your stories and help, and if you can offer any advice, I will gladly listen! Warmest regards, Snap:heart: