Well, tomorrow anyway. On 1/13/2000, after two years of UC and two or three weeks in and out of the hospital, my diseased colon, etc. was removed from my body and life began again for me. The three months (and five days) with an ostomy were a very rough and humbling time before 4/18/2000...the day I had take down.
Thirteen years! Oh the changes!
- I stopped working in a field that I had worked in since my senior year of high school and began working part-time with the school district. Laid off 18 months later, a few years off, and here I am a valued (I think) member of the staff at our city's oldest high school.
- My children have grown up to be somewhat self-sufficient and basically good people. In 2000, they were roughly 11 and 7 (or 10 and 6). I kept them unaware of my illness as much as I could and shielded them from the worst parts of my surgery (ostomy).
- I've become stronger in my faith that God is in control and he knows every moment.
- My marriage is blessedly strong. We are at 24 1/2 years of marriage. It was touch and go that first year after surgery, but I am indeed married to a saint who has stood by me and carried me through some very dark times.
- Because of my illness and surgeries, I had the faith and strength to face a diagnosis of Crohns and the loss of my sister. I even at one time made a decision to go to a permanent ostomy before my surgeon (at the last possible moment) suggested probiotics. "Give it 30 days, one month. If you don't like it, we will schedule surgery - no questions asked." That was roughly 2003. I still have my pouch.
- I have been able to help others when I hear "UC, J-Pouch, Crohns". We had a student last year who went through surgery. What a blessing it is to guide a fellow sufferer and his parent through the first stage of surgery. He is a miracle as far as healing.
- Most importantly, I have met - online and in person - many fellow pouchers. We have laughed and cried together. We have supported each other. What a blessing.
Anyway....if you are new to this game...keep playing. If you are an old timer (pouch, not age), keep sharing.
When in doubt, take a probiotic. Ask questions. Talk about it. Be blessed!
kim
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