I was diagnosed with UC at age 17. I was always able to "control" UC with meds but at age 40 my MD felt that after 3 years of 25+ polyps that I was at high risk for cancer. The cancer could be missed because my colon was pretty bad. I had a second opinion and he also believed it was time to have my colon removed. I had a j-pouch or ileoanal anastomosis. I go to the bathroom "normally" but did have an appliance for 3 months between removal of my colon and reconnection to the j-pouch. I continued to be sick, had blockages and a fistula so my dx was changed to Crohns. I always worked and went back for my MEd while working full-time. I was finally put on Remicade in 2009 and I am healthier than I have been since I was diagnosed. I never knew what being well felt like, because I was always a little sick and just thought that was something I had to live with. I have been through everything I think!:dance::dance: