Today is my birthday the big #40. At one point, I didn't think I would see 40. Being sick all the time, the meds, the dibilitating depression....but here I am - and healthy! My take down will be 2 years next month. I am still here and the 40's are going to be great!

happy birthday.
congrats on feeling well to celebrate it
Holly

Hi Lora,

HAPPY BIRTHDAY

Congratulations! Feels great doesn't it?

Like you I was between surgeries when I had my big 40 and like you it had been touch and go whether I'd actually see my 40th. Same thing with my 50th, but here I am 51 and still alive and kicking!

When I went through my first set of surgeries I made a decision that I was going to take stock of my life and live it to the full and that's just what I am still doing, albeit between those little bumps in the road! I love to travel and have travelled far and wide with both my j-pouch and Wee Willie over the last 11 years and there are so many more places to go and things to do. Life is for living and it feels so good to be able to do that.

Hope you have a wonderful day, you've certainly earned it!

Shell

Happy Birthday, Lora! I know what you mean about you didn't think you'd be here -- I remember feeling exactly that way on New Year's Eve 1999, unbelievable happy that I was still here as we entered the year 2000, having survived toxic mega colon and subsequent surgeries. I turned 40 in January of this year, but I was too busy and exhausted to think about it. I had given birth to my precious son just two weeks earlier. Being healthy is great, isn't it?

I hope your birthday is wonderful!

Happy Birthday Lora

I know how ecstatic you must feel!! Feeling healthy after years of debilitating sickness and depression is an incredible feeling. I wake up every morning and just keep thanking God over and over and over for my blessings. It's just been such a huge miracle to have my life back, something I have not taken for granted.

Words cannot describe how eternally grateful I am for being set free from the chains of UC. People who see me now after remembering how I looked when I was sick are simply amazed. I hear people repeating " You look great Johnny!!"

Congrats on your 40th birthday and your renewed health!

Johnny