My name is Gwendy Steif.  I had UC for years and in 1983 I had a Brooke done at the University of Chicago.   They also removed my rectum so there was no other choice for me at that time.  I only found out about the BCIR in January, 2004.  I called Dr. Schiller right away and schedule to have the surgery done.  I was very scared, because no other doctors wanted anything to do with the surgery or the after care, not even the University of Chicago.  I live in Illinois so it is a long way to go if there is a problem.  But I wanted to get rid of that external pouch so bad.  I hated it so much.  I made do with it because it was all I had.  So off to LA I went.   I am 60 years old so the surgery was tough on me, but I would do it again if I needed to.  The best thing about the BCIR is you can wear any clothes you want, not something to cover your stomach all the time, just in case your pouch fills up.  Dr. Schiller did a wonderful job, and he is ALWAYS there in a heartbeat for me (on the phone).  It has been a good or maybe even easier then having the doctor in my same town.  If they were in the same town they would want me to come to there office, this way I can stay at work and receive his call.  It was a wonderful gift I received this March.  I have only had my BCIR for 3 months, but I am very happy, even though it takes time to get use to the change of everything.  If anyone wants to talk you can write me at evnodds@aol.com   I will be glad to talk to anyone about UC or the BCIR.