I have a permanent ileostomy, and like TonyH, it was the best thing I ever did. I got mine four years ago, and haven't looked back. Healing took a bit of time (four months) from some complications, but life has been so much better with it. Granted, I went in kicking and screaming, and had the ileostomy as a last resort...my only regret is that I wish I'd had it done sooner!
I would recommend going through the posts in the Stoma sub forum---there's lots of great info there, and if you have specific questions, most of us would be more than happy to help out!
Wishing you the very best as you try to make some tough decisions for yourself,
Kismet