> Welcome to our group. Thank you for giving us the history of your husband's
problem. We are a very supportive group.

Thank you, Sandy. I tried to give an abbreviated version, but fleshed out
enough so you'd "know" my husband a little. I'm eager to 'meet' the group.

> I, too, live in Northern California (Tehama County).

We're in Sacramento County where I was born & raised. Russ is from Marin County
(we met in college at CSUS & then he stayed here). Do you travel to any of the
research hospitals?

> I have an ileostomy due to diverticular disease. I started out with a
colostomy but quickly ended up with the ileostomy (within 15 days).

I was looking at diverticulosis & diverticulitis on the GI chart at my husband's
most recent procedure... ouch! There are just too many things that can go awry
in the GI tract.

> We have several men who can relate to your husband's unique situation. And,
we have at least one who has a J-pouch. I am sure that someone in our group can
answer your questions. If not, we have links to other related sites to help you
become informed.

Thank you.

> For me personally, the ileostomy has been better than all the pain and
suffering of diverticulitis. Without this surgery, I would not be here. Colon
cancer runs in my family and I have a daughter with the same problem. My doctor
told her to take care of her issue before it becomes an emergency. Mine was an
emergency and I nearly didn't make it.

I'm very glad to hear that you feel genuine relief w/ the ileostomy. I hope
that my husband is able to say the same. I wish your daughter the best. I'm
just sorry she has the same problems. It's hard when it's your child -we have
that with our son.
Thank you again, Sandy.
Meghan, Russ' wife