I am feeling 95% back to normal. The only thing I've been struggling with is getting my energy back, but I am finally feeling pretty much like I normally would. The past few days I have been shopping and pampering myself. I got my hair done (which I needed very badly!) and I've bought myself a few new things to uplift my spirits. Last night I even dressed up for the first time in a very long time!
Deciding to get this surgery was one of the hardest things I had to do. I was so scared of what the outcome would be and I was scared living with an ileostomy. So far, it really hasn't been THAT big of a deal. I don't really mind showing people and you honestly can't even see it under my clothes unless I clearly point it out. It has been one of the best decisions I have made. I no longer have Ulcerative Colitis and I no longer am miserable. When I think about it, I just remember that there are so many people dealing with much bigger problems than living with a bag for a few months. Yes, it put my self esteem down at first, but like I've said before, everyone has their issues in life and this one is mine. I might as well embrace it and teach people about this disease rather than hiding it and being self conscious. Its part of my life and its who I am now.
Heres a picture from last night with my four best friends!…
Heres a few answers to common questions people have asked me:
Medicines?:
The only medicine I am on right now is Prednisone (the steroids) because I am slowly getting off of them. I have been on steroids for basically 2 years, so it will be so nice to finally be done taking those and my face can finally stop being so chubby! I am taking 10mg of Pred now, next week I will take 5mg, the following week 2.5 and then I will be done! YAY! After that, I will NO LONGER be taking any medication!
Diet?:
Right now I am on a "low residue" diet for about 4-6 weeks. This means that I cannot eat foods with a lot of fiber in it. Wheat breads, nuts, seeds, raw vegetables, and stuff with skins on it (apples, potatoes…) are all off limits for me. They don't want me eating anything that could potentially cause a blockage in my small intestine.
School?:
I WILL be attending school this fall. I start back at North Park University on August 25th. Since I had to unfortunately withdraw from my summer Microbiology class, I just added it to my schedule this semester. That brings me to taking 18 semester hours, which is the most I have ever taken. Now that I am no longer sick, I hope it will be a lot easier to attend classes and stay on track. I also will be living in my own apartment in Albany Park with two roommates. Its a 3 bedroom, 2 bathroom apartment and its super cute! I can't wait to move in and experience living in the city.
Next steps?:
I am planning on having my next two surgeries during winter break and spring break. Yes, it is going to suck that I will be spending my two breaks recovering, but I would rather get it done sooner than later so by next summer I will be done with everything,completely back to normal, and ileostomy free.
I know people have a lot of questions about my surgery and what changes I am dealing with, so feel free to ask whatever. I am an open book and would love to inform people about the IBD (inflammatory bowel disease) world.
-- JKL
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