Late night thoughts

I've been having a very busy last few weeks. My days are pretty long with classes, doing homework and trying to find time to work out. Also I have a ton of tests coming up within the next few weeks. I have to get up early tomorrow but I am sitting here thinking about all the things I've been through the past two years. Just about less than a month ago, exactly two years ago was the first time I started getting my horrible UC symptoms. Little did I know, it was going to change my life forever. Today I was actually very happy and felt a sense of pride that I only have gotten a few times while having this disease. A lady in one of my nursing classes went out of her way to come up to me and say "I'm so thankful to know you. You are so inspiring and strong." Not only was it a bit random for the day, but I had never really had anyone approach me like that before. And I actually was so happy about it. I've said since day 1 after my surgery that I was going to do what I could to share my experiences and help others who go through what I do. The other week I was blessed to have to chance to go in front of my lecture in one of my nursing classes and talk about IBD, my surgeries and how I live my life with it. I also taught a few of my peers in the lab how to change Ostomy appliances and how to take care of it. Even the teachers were asking me questions because some of them weren't totally familiar with everything the disease involves. I'm so happy that I decided to go into this journey with an open mind and willing to do something like share such personal, emotional stories and experiences I've had. Sometimes i catch myself smiling during the middle of a bad day because I think that even though I'm in a pretty unfortunate situation, it's so bittersweet and honestly, I don't think I would change what I've been through or my situation if I was given the option. 

February is coming soon and I'm very anxious for it because my pre-surgery appointment is at the end of the month! 

Here's my healed tummy 1 month out of surgery number 2! Feeling great and back to normal again. You can't even see my larger incision scar because it is a lot lower than where my pants sit! Yay! 

-- JKL