My Friend Tommy

On a beautiful April Fool's Day in 2016 in Newport Beach, California, Tommy was born. He was planned. We knew he was coming. You'd think we would be ready. But are you ever really ready for a new addition to the family?

After the ups and downs we had during treatment and after, Tommy would be a great relief. I knew that. Logically, I knew that. My gut told me it was the right thing to do. Everything pointed to 'do it'. If only my heart would get on board.

This was the photo taken the day after my surgery. My eyes are puffy. My hair is a mess. For the first time in several months, there was no leakage. No smell. Nothing. So after all the hesitation. All the postponements. I was better.

I should be happy... Right?

It would take many more days to get there.


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Hello Lilmesican.
Thanks for your post as it is a reminder to us all that, even though we may think we are well prepared for this operation. the reality of it can have surprising effects.
I hope everything has now settled and you are on your way to recovery on all fronts

Best wishes
Bill

Thank you for your post! Boy, can I relate! Maxine has been by my side now for about 6 weeks. I have learned to tolerate her except when she gets angry and protests everything I do. At that point, I have to get an ibuprofen and a gas pill to shut her up enough to be able to at least rest. She likes the heating pad, so I often soothe her angry temperament with that. I am still experimenting with food, so sometimes I don't get it right.

Hi Lilmesican, I just read your post about your surgery. I completely get it and understand how you are feeling. A person is prepared but not really prepared for the birth of a stoma unless it is completely an emergency situation. For me, some days are fine and other days I am still sad and I cry. I am blessed because my life has continued and I am here with a few minor changes. It is still frustrating for me at times when I think that I was never sick prior to eating a bad hamburger. I believe I was infected with E. coli, which caused UC and here I am today, stoma and all. I force myself to look at the positive and appreciate life. I am grateful far more today than I was prior to major surgery. I still get scared sometimes, afraid that something else will happen, but I try to push through those negative thoughts. Keep posting...once things settle and you get into a routine, stoma living is more manageable. Good luck and keep in touch. Sincerely, LadyHope

Oops, made a typo... A person is not really prepared and certainly not prepared if it is an emergency situation. Ugh... sorry.

Words of Encouragement from Ostomy Advocates I Hollister

I find your comment very interesting, LadyHope. I had my attack of whatever destroyed my lower bowel also after eating a hamburger. Since I now have a permanent ileostomy, I literally become ill at the smell of them now. My husband eats them all the time and keeps offering them to me even though he knows I am totally off them now. Are you able to eat them again? How about French fries or hash browns?

Hello
*Bill: I am doing well now. I bought a couple of waistbands that keep Tommy settled and hidden, so I feel more comfortable and confident.

*Freedancer: I never thought about a heating pad. I'm going to try that, thanks!!!

*LadyHope: For me, it's cheese. I love pizza, but after Tommy, any dairy is a war zone. I have to carry Lactaid pills everywhere I go because sometimes I'm not sure what they are making food with, especially on flights!!!

I avoid the fried stuff; it kills me!!!

Hello Lilmesican.
Thank you so much for letting us know that you are progressing well. It is great to hear from people as they pass through the various phases of recovery and adjustment and I hope everything continues to get better for you.
Best wishes
Bill