You will,I promise.The beauty and the curse of having a chronic illness is that we have no choice but to be strong.How long have you had your UC?I think about a year in was when I really felt like I was finally strong enough to handle everything life and an autoimmune disease threw at me. You will get there and you will have a fulfilling life.You've seen and felt pain.
I see pain as an obstacle, but also a motivator. I've decided i've gone through so much pain just to live, that i'm going to make something out of the life I fought for so hard.
No doubt about that, David! I try to laugh a lot, especially at myself. It helps get along. Like u said it cud b much worse!! Afterall, I crap in my lap!! It isn't easy to deal with it all, no doubt, but I find laughter and being a single dad as my motivators... And prayer, talking to my passed mother...she hurt her entire life, and is finally pain free..
You are an inspiration to me. It's ok to be in a funk. I had ileostomy when I was 9 yrs, I am now a 52 yr old male and still wearing a bag! I was feeling down recently about my stoma, etc and your videos cheered me up and got me out of my "crappy" feeling. Thanks for sharing your story and remember life is full of ups and downs. I will keep you in my thoughts and prayers for your upcoming challenges.
periods of feeling really strong, and periods of feeling really weak. This is normal for all people, but especially those of us who suffer from chronic illness/chronic pain (or both together) as we have that extra stress on top of the regular daily living stress.You are a strong woman, have a great attitude, and are reaching out to help others; all of these will serve you well in your future and help to keep you strong!
Keep goin girl! You have kept me stable in a way as I go through so many tests, procedures and surgery. Getting no answers and feeling like a lab rat with all these tests and experimenting can be so annoying. Just seeing how cheerful you are makes me think twice when I get in a really bad mood. Thank you!
Even though i wasnt genetically blessed with great physical health, im thankful that i was blessed with great mental health. With all my pain and struggles, i've never had any negative thoughts or have never been in a sad mood since i've had my autoimmune disease. Hopefully the people that have mental anguish because of their disease, focus on the positives they have in their life no matter how little they may seem. Because there's always someone in a worse situation that wishes they were in urs
Everything you said made sense to me. I'm going through some tough times right now; not just my struggles with IBD (uc). The end seems so far away, but hopefully I'll come out stronger on the other side. I know you will too.
How long it takes for a strong person to become weak varies by each person. But it isn't being weak, it is simply being worn down. Living with chronic diseases and/or pain, takes a great deal of energy, time, and effort. All of that is in addition to the strength etc. that is needed just to live daily life. I've lived with chronic pain since I was 13, and it got much worse as time went on to where I am now. Still it's over 30 years of fighting and trying to live despite the pain (to be cont)
i miss that too. I'm connected to a ileostomy and i haven't passed gas normally since 2004. i'm always opening my bag in the bathroom or outside to pass the gas. i hate it but it's why i'm still alive today. so I deal with it
I do some times, absolutely. I miss the sensation of pooping and farting. I know that sounds so weird, but it's just something so natural, and when it's taken away from you it feels odd, like something is missing.
over those years I've had periods of depression (of course) and long periods of being able to handle it well. However, a couple years ago my pain got a great deal worse. As a result these last couple of years have been very difficult and I'm stuck in depression and not coping well. So for me it took 30 years to become worn down to the point where my desire to fight is just not there anymore. That is just me though, and everyone responds differently. Most likely you will have ups and downs (cont)
Very relevant! I will give u my answer as of now..5.5 years.. I am 42, ileostomy, chemo-induced painful walk, no run. Constant gut probs. and those r good days. Lol!! I laugh a lot and hurt a lot too, but today I decided that I am SICK and TIRED of being sick and tired!! My mother passed in Dec. in the a.m. I will go talk to her grave. I will be back on track then!! Sure hope u lean on ur bf and feel much better!!
Can see exactly where you're coming from and where you're going Laura! Was this the reconnection surgery you felt unsure about? Know you're young but considering the crappy past 7 mths, have you considered a permanent ileostomy? Quite sure that this comment may generate some heated response. That is not my intention and Laura we have discussed all this in one of your previous videoed. Stay strong. Hope things start looking up for you. Stay strong xx~C~xx
00imspecial00 hi there, when I read your your post, I could sense your fear. Laura will get back to you as soon as she can I'm sure! I have a permanent ileostomy if you would like to ask me anything, I'd be more than happy to offer advice . Do you have a twitter acc.? Mine is OstoMate2010. It's entirely up to you if you want to or not. I don't want to tread on toes, I just want to help people. Take care and fear not. They're not that bad! Especially when they save lives!! Xx
