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hi - i have been a uc patient since 2005 and experienced all the meds, had good times and bad, and now surgery is becoming the option.  i am extremely scared of having an operation for one simple reason, the bag! i am a college student (actually a ncaa division i athlete) and the idea of a bag is scaring the *** out of me.  will i ever be able to lead an active life (and my definition of active is full contact sports, intense physical activity with basically a balls to the wall approach to things)? how limiting is the bag? does it affect one's sex life? basically, how does one deal with it? ugh, i am real scared...

 Reply posted for cjp5424.

i have had the surgery, it took me around a year to feel better physically but since your in great shape the recovey period will be much less.  the emotional aspect of the surgery is very different depending on whether you are a woman or a man.  men usually have less problems with sex.  Woman usually have a harder time emotionally with sex, but there are pouches out there that will cover your bag and make it more confortable to engage in sex.  in terms of contact sports you definately can continue.  the bag doesn't effect sports performnce.  good luck, mev

 Reply posted for cjp5424.

I can certainly relate to the anxiety of facing an ileostomy. I had ileoanal resevoir surgery back in 1998 and had a temporary ileostomy from October through February of 1999. I actually had it longer than necessary because of activities I had planned that I did not want to miss because of reversal surgery recovery. So as I look back on it, the first month or so was an adjustment. As the earlier poster mentions, the surgery is so intrusive, the bag seems benign at the time as you try and regain your strength and flexibility in your abdomen. Given I actually kept the bag longer than necessary, you can imagine how it just became something to deal with. I was 32 at the time of surgery, and although not a collegiate athlete, worked out daily including running 4 miles per day. Best I can remember, I was back in the gym walking on a  treadmill within 4 weeks of surgery. By about 7 weeks I was running a mile or two. At about 10 weeks I was back to running 4 miles with the bag and lifting weights. Now, I may have been an exception in terms of my recovery. My doctor mentioned my resilience was exceptional. I actually was back at work within 2 weeks of my surgery contrary to doctors orders. I should mention that I am in no way physically gifted. I have always had to work extremely hard to be a little flabby. I'm assuming you are most probably in better shape than I was. Considering this and your age, I think you'll quickly adapt and be able to return to some level of activity with a couple of months if not sooner. Contact sport with a bag however could get a little messy

Oh and as far as sex, I did the ace bandage wrap thing myself. I was married so it was no big deal.

 Reply posted for ucshawn.

I am sorry that you will have to have surgery.  It sucks to be young and relitively healthy and active and have to face a major sugery.  I have had three for my Crohn's Colitis and luckily have avoided the bag.

Do you know if you are having a full colectomy or a partial colectomy? I had one (a partial) a few years back and I didn't have the bag, however, I have two family members who have had their bags since the 60's and are as active as anyone I have ever seen. However, I am not sure that full on contact sports would be a good idea for you, my one relative has problems with her's only because of how much of her small/large intestine are gone, the other has no such problems.  Do your doctor's know how much they might have to take?

 Reply posted for cjp5424.

I'm so sorry to hear about your fears of the bag.  I do have one question.  Is the plan for you to have a temporary or permanent bag?  I had colectomy surgery in July and presently living with the bag.  I'm scheduled for the reversal on October 14th and can hardly wait.  I think in time you'll be able to participate in most, if not all, of your sports. You'll hate the bag the first month or two.  My doctor had to prescribe me anxiety meds to deal with it.  Now I'm in month three, and I've adjusted to it a little.  My partner and I have had intercourse one time since I've had the bag.  You'll be in so much pain and discomfort the first few weeks that sex will be the furthest thing from your mind.

I'm very self conscious of the bag and decided to wrap my tummy in ace bandages to hide it during intercourse.  It didn't seem to bother my significant other at all; but, it did bother me a little.  I just keep telling myself that this is all temporary.  I've found other things to do to occupy my time like reading novels and Ebay shopping.  They do make special undergarments that hide the bag for intimate moments.  The brand is called "Options" and your ostomy nurse should be able to tell you how to order them.  I order them from a company called Edgepark and they're covered by my insurance.  I like to wear them all day because it keeps the bag away from my skin and tucks it away nicely.

The whole prospect of having the bag is overwhelming and sometimes words just aren't enough to bring comfort to the patient.  I have so much respect for all UC and Crohn's suferers.  Just know that you are not alone and you can always come to this site for help.  --best wishes