What a rollercoaster those five years have been.
A gastroenterologist who nearly killed me by leaving me suffering, to ten weeks in hospital having major scary open surgery to remove my large bowel and have an ileostomy formed, including 3 or 4 days on the high dependency unit ( I was a bit out of it there so don’t remember exactly how long).
Waking up with a naso -gastric tube the size of a hosepipe down my nose, and having a second central line put in my neck.
A slow recovery with many complications, rectal stump blowout which caused pelvic sepsis, and feeling so ill I thought I might die. A wound that opened up at the bottom which needed packing for 6 months. A fistula developing at the base of my stoma ( this all happened in hospital ).
Losing over 2 stone in weight and needing another tube for feeding, this one was slightly less hosepipey. Being very depressed and ill.
Having PTSD symptoms ( ongoing with counselling )
Having my remaining rectum and anus removed and sewn shut, developing a perineal-vaginal fistula and needing 3 surgeries then more extensive surgery. More embarrassment by having to have a medical photo of my rectal fistula.
Then ……Feeling better each day and meeting new people, joining the committee of the Notts & Derby Ileostomy association and becoming their Young IA rep. Going back to work and feeling part of life again. Holidays, nights out ( Pre-covid) and finally smiling again.
Starting this blog. Meeting the TG Eakin team and blogging for them on A Bigger Life website and community, along with a promotional video.
Don’t give up.
