When am I going to learn to keep my mouth shut when things are going good? I swear all too often after I say that, it's 3 steps forward, 2 steps back. I definitely feel like I'm making progress, at least most of the time, but when there's a lack of consistency, it makes things feel really fragile.

I envy those of you that have live-in support. It's so much easier when you have people you can count on without having to call and impose on someone else. You should go hug those people because it's so easy to forget how much their help with the little things and just having them around makes the little bumps more managable.

/rant

Jim,
Welcome to year 1 of recovery! I remember those days oh so well. Be sure to be good to yourself, get rest when needed and complain when you want to. It will get better! Like you, I had no at-home help so try not to overdo it, keep frozen foods on hand for days when you aren't up to preparing meals, and treat yourself to an occasional housekeeper if you don't already have one.

Sue

My wife is my God!!!!! Oh and the 4 angels falling in behind her.

That first month after takedown was pretty crazy. One day feeling awesome, the next night soiling yourself. It seems that slowly the good days became more the norm and the bad days a minority. I probably have a rough night once or twice a week, but I am still better of than I was with the UC. It's just part of the recovery, hang in there .

For five years now since my takedown, six since my total colectomy, my partner (also named Deb) has been by my side. She has been with me through exploding ostomy bags, leaks, and three hour barrier changes because my stoma would not stop. She has been awakened in the wee hours for a bedding change when I leaked so bad it got everything (big yuk!) and she has held my hand when I have been in tears on the toilet from the pain from my fissures. Sometimes I wish there was more that she could do, because she wants to make me feel better all the time. She works graveyard, 12 hour days, and the nights she is gone are LONG - LONG - LONG! I totally understand how you feel when you just need someone to touch you and tell you they are there. ((((JimK))) I hope a virtual hug will let you know I understand and care.

Thanks a lot Debra, I appreciate it. It helps to know people know where you're coming from. And thanks to everyone for the encouragement and support. It all definitely helps.