So my health continues to have ups and downs even though my takedown was almost three years ago. Sometimes it can make me a bit down but then I go back to how bad it was with UC and think of the things I can do and enjoy now that I could not do with UC. Here's my list:

- Sleeping/lying down without feeling sick!
- Having time (sometimes even 30 minutes) to locate a bathroom without dreading not making it.
- eating what I want without wondering if it is somehow going to make me flare up.
- recognising myself in the mirror and in photos (no more prednisone!)
- flying in aeroplanes without fear of needing to go during takeoff or landing.
- coping with 3 full days of work per week.
- accruing recreational leave from work that does not need to be used for surgery recovery time.

Just a few things I need to keep in mind if I ever feel I'm doing it tough Feel free to share yours.

Thanks for your uplifting post. I have been so grateful to be alive and here for my first child and husband after near death due to disease. As an added gift we were able to conceive a second child after my takedown. I really feel blessed and am still so excited each time I run up a flight of stairs since I could barely walk them a few years ago. I don't mind too much about the after affects because the alternative was to not be here for my family. The illness shows you what you are made of when faced with a terrible illness

Great list HaveHope,

I agree with all, except I'm not quite there on some of them.

I no longer worry that I'm going to die from cancer, perforation or infection. That's a big one. I'm going to be able to see our grndsons grow and someday or son's children as well.

ahhh that I can make it through an entire day without getting exhausted!

Everytime I intubate and my tube actually makes it in.
Small miracles.
sharon

Sleep. Solid sound sleep that lets me function with less than ideal if needed. Used to be if I wasn't in the bed for at least 10 hours and preferably 12 I'd be no good to anyone.

coffee. Simple but man I missed it when even the smell made me nauseated.

EATING. I'll never ever take the joy of eating for granted ever. I don't actually eat meals mostly now but when I do I ENJOY the food and think about how for so long the sight of almost anything larger than a single bite sent shivers down my spine cause I feared the pain so much.

And last but hardly least--I can do stuff with my daughter again. I'm not being mama while on the toilet or in the bed. We can play.

I am grateful for everyday that i feel as good as i do. My life has been given back to me. I will not waste anything that i have been fortunate enough to have been given back.

I smile everyday non stop.

Derek