…new symptoms.
I was constantly losing blood, was deathly tired and could barely get out the bed.
Shortly after that I had another surgery. I am not certain if I ever experienced a remission. Severe Crohn’s had become my norm. For over a decade, I adapted my life to live while being in excruciating pain some days and in pain most. I became oblivious to the fact my quality of life was gone.
My latest surgery I had a total proctocolectomy (removal of the colon and rectum) leaving me with a permanent ileostomy (opening in my belly).
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Living My New Normal
I tried to hold on as long as I could to my colon. I was still striving to be “normal” by clinging to the very thing that was slowly killing me because of stigmas associated with having an ostomy. But there came a time that I had no choice. Having my colon removed was the best thing that has happened to me. There is absolutely no way I would want to go back other than to do it sooner.
My quality of life improved and thoughts that I had not felt in a long time, such as hope, resurfaced. I decided that I wanted to make a difference and improve the lives of others dealing with chronic illnesses. I am living my new normal. I am in love with my new body; my new body saved my life in more ways than one. I want others to not be afraid or ashamed of having an ostomy. I don’t want others to suffer because of the fear of being stigmatized of life saving procedures.
I aim to encourage young women and men through GutlessandGlamorous.Org. Gutless and Glamorous is dedicated to improving the lives of those living with chronic illness.
With a special interest in those living with or contemplating life-altering surgeries, my mission is to empower and uplift those living with chronic illness and to raise awareness and erase the stigmas and misconceptions of life-saving procedures.
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A “colostomy” saved my life and I want to highlight that those living with one can be both #GutlessandGlamorous. It is my goal to help erase the stigma of life saving procedures. Anything that has the power to save a life can be nothing but beautiful.
