Ulcerative Colitis

If I do that, I will have a bag attached to the hole in my abdomen, and will carry that for as long as I live (or I could take out some of the colon now and when it gets worse, take it out entirely).

I am only 21 years old, and I do not have any idea how to make such a choice.

- Mike Dear Mike: I'd find lots of people who just had the procedure and research all my options.

So I found someone for you.

He's in his 20s, a month out of surgery and recovering with the help of his girlfriend.

I read him your letter, and he shared some suggestions.

When researching medical information about colitis, the Chron's and Colitis Foundation of America (www.ccfa.org) is a great resource.

The United Ostomy Associations of America (www.uoaa.org) should be helpful.

On the UOAA site you'll find a forum that can provide information and support from people dealing with similar questions.

You can research the procedure, equipment, lifestyle issues and links to other sites.

Depending on where you live, you may even find local meetings.

Also speak with an ET (enterostomal therapy) nurse; they are experts on ostomies.

While you might take months to come to your conclusion, when you do decide, you'll have the support and information to make the best decision.

Dear Harlan: I'm a freshman at a big party school and can't help but wonder if transferring is the right choice for me.

Now that the semester is over,...

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