Thanks for asking. Ulcerative Colitis is severe inflammation of the large intestine only, where as Crohn's is the entire digestive system. No surgery for Crohn's, only UC. It's pain (often excruciating, bloating, nausea sometimes, massive discomfort, etc). If medicine doesn't get rid of the symptoms, you can have a 2-part procedure called J-Pouch surgery. It's where they take out your entire large intestine, you have an ostomy for a few months, while the insides heal. After a few months, you go back for the "takedown" where they remove the outside bag, and rehook everything up internally. My only hiccup was the day of the 2nd surgery (I mean I was prepped and ready to go inside the room) I was jaundice (this was the start of my liver failure and eventual need for a liver transplant 15 months later.
Once I had the takedown, I felt great. No pain, I was eating foods I hadn't eaten in over 10 years, and I could do things I never could do (long trips without having to thing of finding a restroom ASAP). But about 12 years later, I wasn't doing well, and wasn't sure what it was. Went to my GI in Philly, and they did some tests and realized the inflammation was now in my small intestine. Which I didn't understand since they removed the large and I had nothing in the small. It was dormant in there until it woke up. Got really bad as I was down to about 160 lbs (and I'm 6 ft). Multiple scopes later and all the different drugs, they did a scope this past January and it was REAL BAD! Doctor scheduled infusion right away. Bit sadly, it doesn't seem to work. Still going to the restroom 15-25 times a day on average (has been more).
I still work every day, never call out. I go about my day the best I can and keep a smile on my face (though it's hard sometimes). My wife is amazing. She helps any way possible (I'd be lost without her. She's my best friend and my true soulmate). Trying to figure out a possible new profession to get rid of the stress my current job (which I've had for over 23 years) brings me (and stress is #1 for GI disorders). Cutting out all surgery drinks has helped me feel better in terms of overall health. Not jumpy anymore from too much sugar. Glad I did that. These diseases have really exploded recently due to the processed foods people eat. They awake symptoms. It's a terrible disease (which I've had since 16 and I'm 43 now) I would NEVER wish on anyone.