Strange how I had dreams of traveling and doing all manner of adventurous things once I retired. But, fate and God always seem to have an interesting sense of humor. I dreamed of those things but I knew I would never do them. How could I? I was on the blasted toilet upwards of 33 times a day and the only way that I was going on a cruise, or white water rafting, was if I could strap a toilet to my butt (laughs)
But, one day, one wonderful day, I got so sick that I was rushed to the ER and received a diagnosis of FAP. WTF is FAP!?! Well, strangely enough, my father had FAP and never told us. We always thought that it was some horrific accident from Vietnam and he just didn't want to talk about it. I still want to beat him senseless when I think of all of those years of needless suffering. But that's water under the bridge even though he gets no more Christmas presents from me for a little while longer. Yea... I'm pissed.
Anyway, the first weeks after my surgery were hell, but after the healing time was over and I started actually getting out of the house I realized that.... Damn, this is pretty cool!!
I can go out and hang out with friends, go to Starbucks and sit for hours. Go to the movies. WOW! I can even go to the beach! I ran around like a crazed woman going everywhere and even clubbing now and then (no alcohol though) Talk about liberation... man o man.
Right about that time, the VA Administration, in their wisdom, finally gave me my disability rating and life got even better. I decided to shoot for the moon. I had dreamed of traveling since I got out of the Army and became a wage slave but now that I was officially disabled and actually forbidden to work, it was on!
I'm going to visit every castle in Europe, I want to visit Pompeii, the Blue Mosque in Turkey, the Parthenon wheee. So far I've made it to Mexico, South America and at the moment I'm in Belize. My goal is to dive the Blue Hole by this summer but learning to scuba is a lot harder than it looks. I'm getting it though. (proud pose!)
Strangely enough, I can swim all day and my wafer doesn't lift. I don't know why, and I'm not questioning it.
Hmm.... should I try parasailing? I'll definitely have to think that one over, they get up there pretty high. LOL Anyway, Belize until the fall and then a 2-month trip to Europe before I have to schlepp back to Jacksonville for my 6-month checkup. Blah... Duodenum polyps are interfering with my plans. They want me in every 6 months to try and get out a few more of them each time.
Why Join MeetAnOstoMate?
First off, this is a pretty cool site with 33,102 members. Get inside and you will see.
We're not all about ostomy. Everything is being discussed in the forums.
It's a very special community, embracing all ages and backgrounds. People are honest and truly care.
Privacy is very important - the website has many features that are only visible to members.
Create an account and you will be amazed.
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Hollister
When traveling, you need to pay special attention to your unique needs, issues, and potential hazards.
Learn about special travel considerations for your ostomy type, so you can be worry-free.
Learn about special travel considerations for your ostomy type, so you can be worry-free.
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Hollister
You've checked off everything on your travel checklist. So, now it's time to pack your ostomy supplies and anything else you need. Do it the right way with these smart tips.