Hi Brooke, my DH decided against the op to build the pouch. He is coping perfectly well with the stoma and it doesn't bother him. It's such a mental thing, I don't know how I would cope if it was me and DH is only 30 so I admire his strength and outlook. Last weekend we went to a World Ostomy Day function and there was a surgeon there who said the quality of life either with the pouch or with the stoma is equal. It's very interesting.
Sorry to hear that your Dad has been diagnosed with Chrons as well. I hope he is coping ok with it all.