the finale

It is March 5 around 9:30 pm. Tomorrow I will be getting up around 4:30 am in order to be to the University of Chicago hospital by 6 am and my surgery is scheduled for 7:30 am. Today I have been on a clear liquid diet, so I've eaten/drank... jello, Gatorade, sprite, Italian ice, and a little bit of broth... haha YUM.... It wasn't as bad as I thought doing this diet, its just so hard to remember NOT to eat something if its sitting there. By 12am tonight I will be NPO (nothing by mouth) until after my surgery.

The past few days have been pretty good and a little emotional. On Tuesday, my clinical group surprised me with a "poop" cookie cake, a very nice card, and a gift card. I had NO IDEA that they were doing this for me and I thought it was so incredibly nice that I cried. I was so happy by the support I have from so many different people in my life.

Here's my cake!

On Wednesday, I attended my first University of Chicago IBD educational. It was in Orland Park, IL and my mom and step dad came with me. Even though I do know a lot of the information involving IBD, I still want to try to gain as much knowledge as I can about it in hopes of it one day being a part of my profession. Dr. Rubin and Dr. Cohen were the speakers of the lectured that was titled "Why haven't we cured Inflammatory Bowel Disease yet?" It was very informative and I got to go talk with Dr. David Rubin, one of the nations top IBD doctors (and also MY doctor at U of C) and thank him for everything the team and he has done for me. 

  

Dr. Rubin speaking at the IBD event

Dr. Rubin and I

...and after going to the educational, my mom realized that there was a P. F. Changs near by so of course we had to stop and eat on our way home and I got to have my last supper before my liquid diet.

Double pan fried noodles with beef... my favorite.

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Well as of now I am feeling great going into my surgery. I am very anxious and just wanted to get this over with. The day I've been to patiently waiting for since July is finally here. I wouldn't say I am nervous abut the surgery... I am more nervous about it not working for me and feeling those same horrible feelings I did when I had my UC. I am staying very hopeful and I know that everything happens for a reason. I am so thankful for everyone who has been extremely supportive by sending me texts and messages wishing me good luck. I am feeling an insane amount of happiness and a sense of joy that I have never really felt before...

TOMORROW I WILL BE OSTOMY FREE ~

I will update, like always, when ever I am feeling better!

CHEERS

-- JKL