I'm Stephen and live in Springfield, Missouri. I have been following Eric and this site for the last month or so in preparation for my total proctocolectomy with permanent ileostomy which I had one week ago today!  Got home from the hospital on Saturday and things are going well so far. I was diagnosed with Crohn's colitis about 19 years ago. The last two years have been rough with progression of inflammation and damage throughout my colon that stopped responding to medical intervention. Glad to be home for several weeks to heal and get myself built back so I can really begin to enjoy life anew!