Send your support Please!

[butt-eze]

I just got home from work and received a letter from a dear friend of mine who has UC. I'd like to share her words with you in hopes that you can provide her with encouragement and hope. Especially those of you who have had J-pouch surgery. Allison's suffering this year has been tremendous to say the least. Soon after her father's death Allison faced her first surgery to remove her colon. Recently Allison had a second surgery to re-attach her small intestines to her bum. Her letter makes it painfully clear how difficult this has been for her. I will be sure to forward your well wishes and wisdom to her. Thank you

Allison's letter:

To Those I Hold Dearest to My Heart,

Wanted to send a quick note to all of you to touch base. I know that I may have
been lax in my communication with all of you. I know that each and every one of
you loves me very much and cares deeply about me and my family. It is because of this love that I have made it thus far in this roller coaster I've been riding
around for the last year.

The recovery process has been a very slow one and even with this latest surgery,
much slower than I had ever hoped for. I am trying to take each day as it comes
and when that is just too hard, I slow it down to the minute. As I look back I
see that I have made progress but looking forward I know I still have a long way
to go. However, I also put a great deal of pressure on myself to be strong, well
and happy -- all things that I desperately want back in my life. I know that
everyone wishes me to be better, but more than anyone I WANT to be better. And if I can just have the patience to know that slowly will someday be the case, I will be a better person.

So as you reach out to me, if I do not return your phone call, or sound as if I
do not wish to talk about what's going on with me, please do not take it
personally or give up on me. I do truly feel blessed to have all of you in my
life. But right now at times things almost feel unbearable, coupled with the
fact that I miss my dad so much each day and with the anniversary of his passing
drawing nearer and nearer it just makes everything hurt worse.

Please do not feel sorry for me, because you shouldn't. I'm not asking for a
pitty party or for you to make it better! Life deals us what we can handle and I
will get through this, especially knowing I have the best support system a girl
could ask for. But in an effort to heal me, I'm trying to do the best by myself
and those that love me by being honest with my feelings.

I hope this finds you all well and enjoying the spring time. I love you all very
much. Thank you for everything you have given me, it truly does mean the world.

love always,
Allison

 

[Jeff D.]

I have never had a J pouch or anything like that. But I wish her the best of luck and I will keep her in my prayers. Best of luck Allison in your journey.

 

[drew_wymore]

Best wishes Allison!!! You'll get through this darn disease!

 

[Guest]

my love and best wishes to Allison.

i havent had the exact same surgery either, but i have had extensive surgery, and lost a parent, and a sibling - so my post doesnt come with pity, it comes with complete understanding, and support.

i truly believe people are amazing, in many ways. we have such hidden strengths that sometimes only kick into action when we think we cant take any more. i also believe in the power of positive thoughts on behalf of people in our lives who know what we're going through, whether they be friends, family, or strangers. so, Allison, i hope all our good wishes and thoughts reach you, and i sincerely hope your healing continues, even though it may be in baby steps at present. (((big hugs)))


butteze, this is a lovely gesture on your behalf - thanks for giving us the opportunity to send good wishes to your friend. & please keep us posted how she's getting on.

 

[Kev]

This is going to sound so lame, so trite, I hesitate to even type it out.. But that old adage about time healing all wounds isn't just an expression. Taken at just face value, it can leave one with the image that these wounds can heal without scars.
Not so. Lost my dad 8 years ago this summer; thinking of that now as I type it still brings tears to my eyes.. but the pain is much duller now than it was then. A day by day, even minute by minute coping strategy WILL work.. Allison is on the right track. Her surgical scars will heal as well, and from everything that I have heard from folks (at one time we had a lot of active members on here who had had that surgery - and from what I recall of their posts, it's a lifechanging operation - and a change for the better) there will be much better days ahead for her healthwise. Then she can both live, and relive, the good times.

 

[D Bergy]

I wish her the best, and hope she can make a full recovery. Sometimes these things take a while to get better. I really do not know much about her surgery, but I hope it helps her feel better.

Dan

 

[BWS1982]

Haven't had any surgery so far with Crohns, been lucky on that front, but send her the relevent well wishes from a fellow Crohnie, we're all with her. Great to have support, the more the better.