So today my PICC was taken out, and I'm finally tube free! The drain was taken out last thursday and they said the infection was completely gone. I returned to school yesterday (I only have 7 days left ) and I played soccer today cause it was nice out and because I was trying to get the attention of my hot neighbor, but anyways, I can finally say I'm happy to be alive. I haven't felt this great since....well, since I was six. It's just such a bizarre thing, to eat and then....to not have to run to the bathroom. This ostomy truly gave me my life back. I just have such a new lease on life, especially after how badly recovery went. There were times when I honestly thought I just wasn't going to make it, partly because of how sick I was with the e.coli, and partly because I was getting suicidal. It all just turned around in the past two weeks. It was like the antibiotics finally kicked in and took care of the infection. My two wounds are scabbed over now, I'm already wearing jeans, and my ostomy system is working perfect. I change the wafer once a week, and I wear a mini pouch which you can't see AT ALL, and I empty about 4 times a day and once at night if I eat before I go to bed. And the infection caused me to lose 30 lbs so I fit into all my old jeans from freshman year which is awesome! I just feel great, and I think I look great too. It's just so nice to not have to assess and analyze situations anymore. Before, every time I left the house, I had to think of what I ate, how it was going to affect me, and if it was compatible with where I was going in regards to bathrooms. Now, I just go. I don't worry. I can't wait to start riding horses again and finally be strong enough for competitive showjumping, I can't wait to start college in a month, I honestly just can't wait to have a life.

God, I could go on forever about how much my life has improved. I just wanted to brag about how happy I am

Oh, and I've been smoke-free for two months and 12 days!

You deserve this! Brag away!!!! Enjoy it!!

I'm very happy for you!

Nicole

Well FINALLY!! FINALLY!! FINALLY!! FINALLY!! I've been waiting for this post for a very long time! Not as long as you, of course. What a wonderful post and Nicole is right - you deserve to brag away! Yippee!

kathy

Yippie Skippie! Three Cheers and Hoorays for you. You have been through so much and always been so positive (even when you were down). Time for you to get out there in those fit jeans, be 17, break some hearts, cause some trouble and be your awesome self. Are you off to college to in fall?

Megan & Mark

Continued health and happiness.

Holy cow!!!!! I am so happy for you. This is awesome news and was waaay overdue.

Chelsea,

I am so happy for you! And that's wonderful that you've stopped smoking.

Anjuli

Yeahhhhhh! Clap Clap!! Wow, you REALLY deserve this Chelsea...you've been through soo much and I'm so happy that you can FINALLY Feel Good!! You've been an inspiration to alot of people on this site and your determination and courage to stick it out will give strength to those who're going through challenging times. That should make you feel good to!

Way to go Chelsea!! Hip hip hooray!!! I am soooooo excited to read your post. If there is anyone that deserved a change in their life, it was you my dear! You have been thru a living hell for so long, you must be ecstatic! I'm so happy for you to finally be feeling good. Enjoy this summer before you head off to school to start the second part of your life!

w00t!

Excellent to hear, Chelsea!!!

I'm right there with you, but still adjusting to wearing this thing off my belly, but it's still getting better every day! I feel great, eating anything/everything in sight, and am NOT getting up at night in pain!

//Todd

Chelsea,
I'm so glad you made it through that bumpy recovering and are out there living life! And I have to say, it's awesome that you can wear a mini pouch! That will make things even easier.
Good luck with college and enjoy your life!
Lori

So so so so EXCELLENT!! And you have so many things to do to "catch up" in life! Just remember that when you gain those pounds back - because eating is great - and you need to go up a size that will be great too because you are Healthy!! And congrats on the non-smoking!
Jenny

Chelsea,

I am so very very happy that you are finally feeling better. You are an inspiration to me and I wish you continued good health. It's about time.

Chels, This is so wonderful! And to think that we were here to see you go full circle. I am so glad that you stayed with us throughout this ordeal. It will help others see that no matter how bad things get, eventually, they turn around and there is joy to be had.

So, brag, brag, brag. You deserve it!

Jan

Good on ya Chelsea! This is such great news especially after everything you've had to endure. Enjoy!