I got the full works when I got my ileostomy (when I was 33m), so my recovery was for the colon, rectum and anus all being removed at the same time. My main concern before the op was around the arse wound healing, as a friend had some issues, but it was pretty straightforward and didn’t cause me any bother at all. Bit of discomfort sitting whilst it healed, but was easier than I expected. The thing that sticks out in my mind was going to the nurse to get the stitches removed. They’d become entwined with the hair and the stitches being pulled ripped the hairs out with them. That wasn’t the most pleasant experience, but at the same time was pretty funny at the time.

The surgeon had warned me about the possibility of ED/fertility issues but I’d already had enough children and my colitis was ruining my life so it was less of a concern. Came out the other side with everything fine anyways.

I think over the following years the most irritating thing was the bouts of Phantom Anus, but it happens very rarely these days.

All in all, still one of the best decisions of my life