My Crohnstipated Life

So here we are, two months after my surgery and all I can say is….we’ll I’m afraid to say anything because of the predictability of Crohn’s Disease. So many reports, you know, the one where they say the majority of patients suffering from Crohn’s disease will undergo at least one surgical resection of the bowel in the course of their disease. And that although surgery greatly improves the quality of life the beneficial effect is only temporary. Yeah, those.

As far as the surgery, it gave me what I needed when I needed it. But, I am also well prepared for the fact I will need surgery in the future. With my Crohn’s being rated as moderate to severe it just ups the chances. In some ways, I’m glad I’ve experienced it already, so that if/when the time comes for more surgery I’ll know what to expect and how to deal with myself and the recovery.

Prior to surgery, I would eat and then pain would come. Now I eat, and I sit waiting for the pain to start, but it doesn’t. It’s a hard concept for me to grasp, it feels so unnatural. I can eat food, and not be in pain or nauseated afterwards. Wow, what a concept!

Now, I am almost 12 weeks post-op. I went back to work full-time after two weeks and was literally doing everything I was doing prior to my surgery and then some!  I drove just days after my surgery and I was fine. I have so much more energy, its simply amazing. I’m able to eat food when we go out to eat and not regret it later. I feel like surgery has had a positive impact on my life. I feel like my family and friends are getting to know a new “fun” Kelly that isn’t always laying on the couch exhausted or too sick to do anything.

Having this surgery has changed my life in just 12 short weeks. I can’t even imagine how much it’s going to change my life in the next year or two. I know the statistics aren’t in my favor, but until then I will totally be living my best life with a foot less of intestine, a ileocecal valve and a bigger smile on my face!