This is an important day for me. It is a day that I will always remember as one that changed my life. On this very day, just one year ago, I was waking up in a hospital bed after a 4 hour surgery with a new addition on (…and subtraction from) my body: my ostomy.
In honor of such a big day in my life, I took the opportunity to take today off from work, so I’ve enjoyed a fairly laid back day. I did start today back at UNC Hospital for my last appointment before my surgery last month just to go over all of the details and sign all of the paperwork (but more on that later.) I then treated myself to a little shopping and then a little errand running. Now I’m back home watching TV and I even got in a quick nap!
It’s been nice to have the day to myself and to have some time to think. I’ve been going through some of my posts from last year, just before and after my surgery, and it’s amazing to see the change in me. I was so scared at that time. I didn’t know what to expect from having an ostomy, I wasn’t sure how to move forward with my life. But I see now how it has all come together.
I wouldn’t give up this year for anything. I have learned so much about myself and finally remember what it’s like to really feel good. I am definitely not saying that it’s been easy, but I can confidently say that this was the right decision to get my ileostomy and I would make it over and over again. Being a part of this online ostomy & Crohn’s community has been a blessing, as well, and I look forward to continuing to build relationships with many others out there.
Just one year ago, the idea of having a second surgery to make it permanent would have been a difficult idea to accept. Now that I’ve had a year to realize this was the best decision for me and I see that it won’t make any difference if it’s permanent, it doesn’t seem so scary.