It Takes Guts: My Ostomy Story
It Takes Guts: My Ostomy Story
As hard as it is for me to share this personal story with the internet, I think it is so incredibly important to share my journey with others in hopes of helping someone going through something similar. I have pushed myself for over 4 months to write this in the most organic and accurate manner. I feel I have finally found the words to share my story in full. Let me preface by saying, there are many other blog sites that raise awareness for IBS, Chrohn's, and ostomies; but my journey was/is a little different, as I do not have any of these diseases. Read more about my journey below.
The Life Bomb
The plan for the weekend was to go up north to my family's cottage about 2.5 hours away in Greenbush, MI. Following a few days of abdominal discomfort, I woke up that morning with excruciating pain that penetrated my lower abdomen. I couldn't move and was barely able to get out of bed or walk. Shortly after I woke up, my mom and fiancee drove me to the emergency room where I ended up getting a CT. If you've never had a CT before, it's a test used to detect abnormalities in the body, such as tumors, abscesses, abnormal blood vessels, etc, when they are suspected by symptoms or other tests. Soon after my scan, the doctors rushed in and told me that I was going to need emergency surgery. Not much could be seen on my CT due to extreme free air and stool in my abdomen; which in turn, was pushing my organs against each other and causing intense inflammation. The next part (well, person) is a huge part of my recovery.
Going Under The Knife: Pre-Op
As I was being prepped for surgery, things were moving increasingly faster and to be honest, a lot of this part is a blur. Dr. McClure walked in only a few minutes later, hugged me, and told me she was going to take care of me, but that we had to move fast. I had met her the previous April when I was treated with antibiotics for a micro-perforation in my colon. Little did I know, this was only the beginning of a friendship that will always have a special place in my heart. She then told me that I was going to be "marked" by a stoma nurse in the next few minutes before surgery. At the time, I was fairly passive (considering my organs were pretty angry and a few Sharpie marks on my stomach were the least of my problems.) Not knowing the severity of the situation, I agreed and was off to surgery within minutes.
Post- Op
My dad and I four days after surgery 1.
After over 7 hours in the OR, I woke up in the recovery room with an NG (nasogastric intubation) tube, catheter, wound drain, and yes; an ileostomy bag. My surgeon met with my parents and fiancee in the waiting room before I was taken up to my room. Dr. McClure told my family that I had a massive tear in my colon with a golf ball sized abscess; caused from diverticulitis and a weak spot in my intestinal wall. She removed over a foot and half of my large intestine, created a stoma so that my large intestine could heal for the next three months, and told my parents I was lucky to be alive. If I would have waited even one more hour at home before going to the hospital, I would not be here to tell my story. After testing and observation, the results showed no signs of any Crohn's, IBS/IBD, or Ulcerative Colitis. I had existing diverticuli, which I have known since April of 2017; and although I was extremely young to have that, my case was labeled as familial. The abscess I had developed ripped my large intestine so intensely and caused a massive leak in my abdomen.
The Next 7 Days
The hospital room I recovered in for over a week.
The first night consisted of over 6 different x-rays to evaluate the placement of my NG tube. Having to be turned, pushed, and placed on a hard surface after invasive surgery with a 14 inch incision down the middle of your abdomen, makes for quite the night. The following days were filled with visits from stoma nurses, walks to the end of the hallway that felt like miles, and lots of grape popsicles. My mom and dad took turns staying with me every night, and supported me every step of the way. I'm generally a private person and didn't want anyone to see my at my absolute worst. You truly realize who your true friends are during trying times like this. Looking back, I am so blessed that the special people in my life insisted on seeing me and supporting me; without them, I would have had less laughs and far too many more struggles. Every morning I met with my surgeon and her team to discuss my progress. She encouraged me daily, along with all of my family and friends; and did her best to assure me that I was showing improvement, even though it never felt like it. 4 days after surgery all of my tubes were removed, which meant I could start introducing soft foods (no more grape popsicles!) Stoma nurses helped me change my bag every other day and did their very best to provide me with quality of life. I am convinced that these nurses offered me a chance at a "normal life" during the three months I had with my ileostomy. It seemed that each day introduced a new obstacle; walking any further than the length of a hallway seemed impossible, and things as simple as getting in and out of a relaxed position was unattainable. I spent more than three months sleeping in a reclining chair; first in my hospital room and eventually my living room when I was discharged.
January 26th, 2018- April 18th, 2018
My (blurred out) ileostomy bag & large incision. March 2018
After over a week of trials, I was finally going home. The next few days consisted of visits from home health nurses and the person I'd be spending a few hours of my week with for the next few months, my ostomy nurse, Andrea. The next few months leading up to my ostomy reversal surgery were filled with learning curves, lows, highs, and thankfulness. I was lucky enough to develop a wonderful friendship with both my at home stoma nurse and the ostomy nurses at the hospital; both gifted me with the quality-of-life I never thought I would need. Among all of these life-altering events, it can be easy to want to give up. Depression is a very serious and real issue that is often skimmed over; without the unwavering support of my friends, family, and fiancee, I would not have been able to tread onward. I encourage all of you who are struggling with something like this, or anything at all, to seek help and support from others.
After countless doctor visits, embarrassment, adaptation, and a flexible-sigmoid without sedation, (if you don't know what that is, look it up and prepare to cringe) I was finally scheduled for my ostomy reversal on April 19th.
Surgery #2 (The Best Day Ever)
It sounds pretty sick to be "excited" to have surgery; but when you've been sleeping in a chair for three months and emptying a bag of shit (literally) multiple times a day, excited is an understatement. My surgeon hugged me, gave me a high-five and I was off to surgery. I woke up bag-less and with no tubes like last time! The first day was fairly uneventful and I was able to walk around and eat later that night. The next day, was one of my most memorable days. My surgeon is someone who I look up to and owe my life to. She saved my life, encouraged me, and most importantly, was always a friend when I needed one the most. The day following surgery, she sat with my mom and I in my room for almost an hour. The words "I look up to you" and "you're strong" rarely come from a surgeon; but it happened to me. My level of respect for my doctor truly can not be matched, and I thank god every single day he blessed me with her.
Less than 48 hours after surgery I was able to go home; this time for good.
Current Day
Present day: May 2018
Today, I am left with a 14 inch incision down the center of my abdomen from my partial colectomy, some unresolved anxiety, and a 5 inch incision where my stoma once was. I have resumed all of my pre-surgical activities. I am free of all restrictions and continue to feel blessed every single day. I will never forget those who were there for me every single day (thanks mom +dad) and the surgeon that saved my life; besides, who could forget with a 14-inch incision down their entire stomach? I have lost almost 50 pounds since my surgery by working out and living an overall, healthy lifestyle.
I wake up most days with a positive attitude, thanking god, and always end my days happy, thankful, and hopeful of an even brighter tomorrow.
"You're a survivor; it's written all over your body."
If you're struggling with any of these conditions, click below for helpful tips, tricks, + advice. Feel free to contact me with your stories.
xo. Abby
