Surgery day is upon me
After last nights epic transfer stress (told me to pack up at 6.45 and I finally got into bed at the other side at 1.30am!!) I’m finally in the Northern General. I had a terrible nights sleep, my fears and anxieties just got the better of me and I spent a fair chunk of the night in a state of panic.
This morning the surgeon has been to see me and has made the final confirmation that surgery is definitely the right decision and will be going ahead today! I don’t have a time yet but I’m on nil by mouth and they’re attaching IV fluids and the like to me so I’m thinking it won’t be too long.
So how do I feel?
It’s odd, at times I feel total abject terror. The thought of the actual surgery is such a frightening thought – I’m scared of the whole cutting and removing and all… I’m frightened of pain and if there’s difficulties. I’m frightened of this feeling of being alone. I have the best husband, kids, family and friends and I’m so well supported. I’m overwhelmed by the kindness I have been shown. But in these hours of waiting and those long, dark evening times I’m so very alone with my thoughts.
But on the other hand I know this is the right thing to do. It’s the start of a journey that should end in me being well. I’m excited to think of a life that won’t include Ulcerative Colitis. To think Ill be able to plan in advance without the fear that Ill be crippled by a flare up.
I’ve said for years that I really just want to be a ‘normal’ person without having to take a host of meds to function. Some people who know me may say Ill never be normal but hey!!!
So this morning I’m going to sit, try to relax and think about the things in my life that make me blessed. My husband. My kids Charlie, Ellie and especially Thom! My family. My friends.
The fact that we live in a country that means my care is free! I read American IBD blogs and I’m shocked at the stress they endure on top of their illness with money and insurance.
I know it’s a terrible clique but I do feel that today is the first day of a new life for myself and my family.
I’m on the emergency list which means the surgery is imminent but if another priority comes in ahead of me, my surgery will be dropped back.
I’m quite weepy still today, I wish I could say I’ve got my big girl pants on and a brave face but more often than not its a slightly panicked, puffy moon face with red eyes!!! I swear in my head when I weep I look like this…
In reality it’s more like this…
Thank you for all the folk reading the blog, I’m blown away. Yesterday over 400 of you were reading and the numbers are going up all the time. It’s amazing and I’m so honoured to have you share my journey with me. The whole reason for this place is to break the poo taboo and to get people talking about IBD, Ulcerative Colitis and Crohns – I just hope my ramblings can help others. The other reason is that getting it all down is very cathartic for me. I know some people might think I share a little too much but I really think if I’m going to do this I need to do it openly and honestly.
So Ill see you all on the flip side! Still rollin’ with no colon!!!
Much love
Sam xxxx
Much love from the Faulkner household and yes this blog will help others I’m sure. It’s important to share these things and get them out and you should be right proud of this and yourself. Thinking about you and your family today Sam xx
Thanks Steve xxxx
Much love from the Faulkner household and yes this blog will help others I’m sure. It’s important to share these things and get them out and you should be right proud of this and yourself. Thinking about you and your family today Sam xx
Thanks Steve xxxx
Good luck lovely xxxx
Thank you lovely xx
Good luck lovely xxxx
Thank you lovely xx
Sam you’re an amazing person, I don’t know what else to say! We’re thinking of you today, love from Helen & Rich xxxx
Sam you’re an amazing person, I don’t know what else to say! We’re thinking of you today, love from Helen & Rich xxxx
Love to you. Hoping this is the start of an even better life for you. xxx
Thanks Jen x
Love to you. Hoping this is the start of an even better life for you. xxx
Thanks Jen x
The very best of luck to you, Sam. I hope everything goes as it should and you heal quickly. xxx
The very best of luck to you, Sam. I hope everything goes as it should and you heal quickly. xxx
Good luck Hun x
Good luck Hun x
I am SO going to poke my finger in your hole.
I am SO going to poke my finger in your hole.
A brilliant blog – I hope everything goes well for you.
A brilliant blog – I hope everything goes well for you.
This blog made me laugh and cry! Bless you chuck. I hope it all goes well today. I am sure you will be very sore after, but as you said yourself it will be the first day of a life without U.C.
Lots of love from the Hudson family. Xxxxxxx
This blog made me laugh and cry! Bless you chuck. I hope it all goes well today. I am sure you will be very sore after, but as you said yourself it will be the first day of a life without U.C.
Lots of love from the Hudson family. Xxxxxxx
all the very best sam thinking of you amanda devlin hills mum xxxx
all the very best sam thinking of you amanda devlin hills mum xxxx
Just caught up on your blog and want to wish you all the very best. Before I read the blog, I would never have guessed that you were suffering so much. x
Just caught up on your blog and want to wish you all the very best. Before I read the blog, I would never have guessed that you were suffering so much. x
Been reading your blog…as I have a parastomal hernia..getting bigger and keeps me from doing a lot of things..
Was curious whether or not something can actually be done about them …I was told no…
Anyway best of luck with everything dear
Elizabeth