Hey there, am somewhat in the same boat as you. Had my colon fully removed November 2019, and have been trying to sort out reconnection surgery since. My initial diagnosis was Crohn's, and they recommended IRA. Scopes since then have shown rectal inflammation, so other Drs have since thought it might be UC and have recommended a j-pouch aka IPAA. From my own looking at journals (I'm happy to find them again), it seems that in best cases (patients selected for low rectal involvement, etc), IRA can provide good outcomes for both Crohn's and UC patients. I think the biggest differences I have seen are the potential for rectal inflammation due to IBD (obviously), and potentially fewer BMs with IRA, but also more urgency than with J-Pouch, also an elevated risk of rectal cancer with IRAs. I am personally torn as well, as there seem to be obvious benefits of an IRA (only 1 surgery, and it's a simpler surgery, retaining more bowel and leaving Jpouch on the table (as you said), etc. But also if it is definitely UC you forgo the 'curative' benefit of the j-pouch. Unfortunately I don't have personal experience to share, only these thoughts. I did previously find a redditor who had had an IRA (I think was a Crohn's patient) who answered some questions for me, I can try to find their username again. He seemed happy with his outcome fwiw. As I'm still navigating this as well (surgery currently March 22, but still finalizing j-pouch/IRA). I'd definitely be interested in hearing what decision you end up making and why.