Hi Ostopals, I have spent a lot of time over the last 24 hours reflecting on my life and all that has happened in the last two and a half years. On my birthday in 2018, I was going about my daily life, not knowing I had Crohn’s and was already pretty sick. I started feeling sick in March and went to the hospital by ambulance in June when my colon had ruptured and was therefore removed. I was very septic and there was question as to whether I would survive the surgery. On my birthday in 2019, I was told for the first time that my ostomy would be permanent. I have been through so much that I had never even imagined and have struggled a lot with leaks and keeping my attitude positive. I try not to feel sorry for myself and most days I do pretty well with that. I didn’t sleep much last night thinking about everything in the past couple years and what the future may hold. As the day comes to an end though, I am thinking about the fact that I just celebrated the third birthday I might not have gotten if things had happened a little differently, and being thankful for the people who played a part in me still being here today. I am also thankful for this website and the members here who helped me adjust to my new life and accept it. Thanks Eric for all your information and for so generously sharing your life experiences. And thanks to everyone who has given me support and advice over the years. -Liza Happy birthday, Liza! We’re glad you were able to celebrate it too! Your life may have taken some interesting twists and turns lately, but they just add to the wisdom you have accumulated and then share with others. You are a big part of what makes this site so helpful. An extra slice of birthday cake for you - you’ve definitely earned it!🎂🍰🧁 Laurie Just a semicolon Happy birthday, Liza. Best wishes to you for a happy day and a healthy future. Will there be a cake in your day? Hope it is your favorite kind (me, I have a hard time choosing a favorite kind of cake .... ) and that you eat with enjoyment, knowing we are thinking of you! LL 🎂 Colostomy 4/30/18. @tigerlily....she sure does deserve a second & even a third piece of cake! Liza you have gone thru such emotional and physical batterings over your Ostomy & survived!! Super hero accomplishment # 1!! I think its very healthy you are able to look back and see all your hard work, patience & efforts that have paid off and for you to be able to see the amazing path you accomplished on the way to accepting and being a healthy "appreciated" ostomy owner. This is a special club of people who developed super powers and survived a huge life threatening & time consuming shock of an ordeal!! It has to be the hardest thing to wake up from surprise surgery & hear the word ostomy. It must certainly knock anyone off their feet for some time or you wouldn't be human! I know that I for one am so proud of you and all you have struggled through in order to get here & understand the importance of what you have gone through & how necessary the surgey was. Looking forward, you can add this birthday to your growing list of accomplishments and see just how far you really have come!! I know your struggles are not all dealt with just yet but I think your certainly on the right path of healing. Though you need further surgery, which is never fun, know that you have done the right thing in seeking a second opinion and controlling your situation to how it suits you best! Your husband has been an amazing loving support to you also! Not too many are able to dress a long standing open wound so resistant to healing & help change over your appliances when you were so very sick. He sure stepped up to the plate & helped at a time you needed him most! Way to go Lizas Hubby!! We should all be that fortunate to have such amazing TLC & support! HAPPY HAPPY THIRD BIRTHDAY SQUEAKY ALL THE BEST TO YOU LIZA ON ANOTHER YEAR !!!! Linda Happy birthday, Liza. Best wishes to you for a happy day and a healthy future. Will there be a cake in your day? Hope it is your favorite kind (me, I have a hard time choosing a favorite kind of cake .... ) and that you eat with enjoyment, knowing we are thinking of you! LL 🎂 There was cake!! I don’t know if it is my favorite, but it is pretty darn good. I made the rum cake I first made on Thanksgiving. My favorites are yellow cake with chocolate frosting (from scratch not a can) and Baskin Robbins ice cream cake with chocolate cake and Jamocha Almond Fudge ice cream. When we were growing up, my aunt used to bring ice cream cakes over on our birthdays. Unfortunately they were all in January and February. 😂 -Liza Happy belated birthday @squeakyandliza! Just like with kids, as the years go by I have those "they've grown up so fast" moments with my stoma thinking of all the things that have happened since my surgery. We are all so fortunate to have the technology and medical access that allows us to live our lives with relative normality. Each year should be celebrated! Just your friendly neighborhood ostomate.
Ileostomy 6/18/2018
“May your day be bright and your bag be light.”
I love the smell of coffee in the morning. It smells like .... victory.
Ileostomy 6/18/2018
“May your day be bright and your bag be light.”
~ Crohn's Disease ¦ Ileostomy ~
Community Forums
Notifications
Clear all
The Lounge
6
Posts
5
Users
13
Reactions
775
Views
Topic starter
February 7, 2021 4:11 am
February 7, 2021 10:13 am
SqueakyandLiza and LK reacted
February 7, 2021 1:39 pm
SqueakyandLiza reacted
February 7, 2021 1:44 pm
SqueakyandLiza reacted
Topic starter
February 7, 2021 4:43 pm
LLNorth reacted
February 8, 2021 11:20 am
SqueakyandLiza reacted