Two Years

On this day two years ago I had my first surgery to remove my colon, create the j-pouch, and form a temporary ileostomy.  It was the first day of getting my life back.

I can remember the morning like it was yesterday.  Waking at 3:00 am and packing up the car with myself, my Mom, my mother-in-law, and my loving husband.  A great support system for what would be a nerve wracking morning.  After parking the car I rushed to the hospital to check in.  I wanted everything to get underway.  I had a short wait before getting called into triage where for the one millionth time my history was taken.  On this morning there was a large gas main break in California and it was showing on each television.  I hoped it wasn't a bad omen.

Next I went into the first pre-op room.  I was asked to dis-robe and wipe my body down with disinfectant clothes.  I then put on a bear-robe which hooked up to the wall and blew warm air into my robe.  Next it was time to say my goodbyes, and I was off to pre-op room #2.  This is when the nerves finally began to kick in.  I didn't have to be strong for anyone anymore, and the fear set in.

Without my glasses the rest is all a blur visually.  In the next room I was given my IV, and another history was taken.  Dr. Isenberg, my surgeon, came to great me.  Then off I went the first one out the door that morning.

I remember going into the OR.  I was moved to the operating table and the nurses began to strap my arms down out from my body.  A mask was put over my face, and there was a lot of commotion.  A count of how many people would be in the OR (not including me) was taken.  I was surprised by the number, 12.

The next thing I knew I was waking up in the recovery room.  I was in pain and groggy, but the nurse was right there and attended to my every need.  The recovery in the hospital was slow, and took longer than usual when I developed a blockage.  After 10 days I was out and ready to start my new life.

I could not image then how much different my life would be by saying goodbye to a rotten colon.  I am a new person, and have more confidence than I have in years.  It hasn't been an easy recovery.  I have had many set backs.  For every two steps forward, I would take one step back.  I was very discouraged at times.  I spent afternoons crying on the floor.  But as time went on, fewer steps back have been taken.

Now my day revolves around what I want and not my stomach.  I have gained much needed weight.  Food is fun now, and not seen as the enemy.  I am back to Tae Kwon Do, no longer fighting for my life but sparring for fun.

I don't regret anything in the past two years.  It has taught me what matters most in my life.  My health, my family, and my friends.  Surgery not only physically gave me my life back, but mentally it gave me a whole new outlook on the world.  It is a world of opportunities.