I'm all better

[scl]

One month post small bowel resection and fistula repair and I feel completely healed. Actually, I could have said this at least a week ago.

I returned to work twelve days after surgery (four hour shifts) but now am working as much as I can because I like my job and feel great.

I've been going on brisk, hilly walks and will try a short run tomorrow. No fatique, no pain, no regrets. Just in time to truly enjoy the holidays. What a gift to not have the nagging worry of another blockage.

May you all be well.

 

[kossy]

Awesome news! I'm very happy to hear you're doing great!

 

[scl]

Thank you. I just wish everyone else here felt as good too. Way too much suffering from this disease.

Just spent some time in the stoma sub forum. That will make you feel guilty if you're feeling good.

 

[kossy]

I do too. I've had my ups and downs with this disease. I have a stoma and honestly I couldn't be happier. But when it did happen it was depressing at first. But it brought back my health and life.
You should never feel guilty for feeling good. It's your own personal victory and we're all happy for those those who feel good. It should also bring hope and promise to those in not so good health to know that it is possible and hope should never be lost.

 

[Terriernut]

SCL, I'm very glad you are feeling great!! Wonderful news!

Why should you feel guilty if you visit the stoma subforum? We are actually a pretty happy bunch! Sometimes getting a stoma is hardly the worst thing in the world. (mine was bag or body bag). Do we still get flares, yes, sometimes. But generally, we are busy doing the things you are doing and then some. Sometimes meds stop working and there isnt any choice. I am glad that you are feeling great now, and I hope it continues for you. But having a stoma may some day come, and I bet you will face it with a positive attitude, just like we have.

 

[scl]

Terriernut, I didn't mean to suggest that you weren't a happy bunch, but I read a couple of stories that tugged at my heart.

During my recent hospital stay, the nurses asked if I would like to talk to a former patient on the GI post surgical ward. Sure, I didn't have many visitors since I had surgery in Seattle and I live in Honolulu. He was a young guy in his early 20's who was admitted to the hospital with severe colitis. For 3 weeks he suffered greatly and kept urging the docs to try one medicine after another. The docs wanted to give him a colectomy.

Finally in week 4, he he told them to go ahead with the surgery. When he woke up from surgery he was in far less pain than when he entered the hospital and felt he had his life back.

It was a very valuable lesson. He came and visited with me every day afterwards. I admired his openness, strength, and positive attitude.

Whether it is the stoma, surgery, or any other forum, there are heartbreaking as well as inspirational stories, and always, always lots of support.

 

[Terriernut]

I know you didnt mean it that way. I think others may have thought differently, thats why I responded. When we get sooooo ill, stomas are such a wonderful thing to have. Heartbreaking, yes. Lifesaving...oh yes!

I try to help others in a similar position I was in that dont see the bright side of ostomies. Is it awful to get to the point of needing one or dying..hell yes it is. Its what you do with life on the other side of surgery that counts. And YOU are doing that! Brilliant! Enjoy every moment!!!

 

[scl]

Thanks for your kind words. I would never say I'm happy to have this disease, but I have to admit I have learned more about strength, acceptance, gratitude, perseverance, humility, and bravery since my diagnosis in July. Most of these lessons were learned from reading posts on this site. Remarkable people here, remarkable stories.

 

[CyCrohn'sGuy]

That's fantastic scl. Very happy for you.