trik, thanks so much for your advice. Do you think your prolonged recovery was because if was an emergency. I sure am hoping his recovery will be sooner. He is depressed enough now after having ulcerative colitis for over a year, diarrhea, diapers, horrible sleep, no appitite, etc. He is so looking forward to traveling again. Right now that is his driving force in getting better. I have read and reread your post and I am not figuring out what WCON is. He will be seen in the hospital by an enterostomy therapy nurse and this person will be available to him whenever needed. Of course no one has said how much it will cost for outpatient visits. Yes, I may be needing your help again!