Removal of Colon and Which Surgery to Have

My mother is 55 years old.  She has lived with ulcerative colitis for 36 years.  She is finally going to have surgery to remove her colon.  Her choices are either an ileostomy and have an exteranal bag or she can undergo a surgery where she would have an Ileal Pouch Reconstruction. She has been told by one surgeon that she is not a good candidate for the later surgery because of her age.  She recently got a second opinion and was told that she is a perfect candidate for the Ileal pouch.  Is there anyone out there who has had an Ileal Pouch Reconstruction is willing to share their experience with us.  

[Morecambe]

I underwent a total colectomy at the age of 58 without the need for any colostomy bag/pouch or whatever.  The reason was torrential diverticular bleeding

Of course there may be special - or differing - circumstances in your mother's case.  However I think it may be worth asking the surgeon whether these "extras" are absolutely obligatory.  Why can she not have an ileorectal anastomosis (i.e. where the furthest end of the ileum is joined to the start of the rectum).

Good luck
Morecambe