My Journey With Crohn's Disease - Part 6

Current weight

It’s now been 11 weeks since my operation, and as things stand, I’m feeling very good. My weight is increasing, I’m feeling stronger and my training is going well. That’s not saying there hasn’t been any lows, because there has, some big ones, but overall I’m feeling very positive.

A week or so ago, I was having real issues with my bag leaking, especially at night. One particular night it leaked twice and every time it leaks, I need to have a shower to clean myself and then replace the bag. As I’m sure you can imagine, having to do this routine really wakes me up, and I have a terrible time trying to get back to sleep. This particular night, I’d just got back off to sleep when I realised its was leaking again. I was tired and very, very low at this point, knowing I’d have to do it all again. The next day I was shattered!! Having these leaks had begun to really play on my mind. I was constantly thinking about it, especially if I was away from the security of my home. I’m pretty open about my condition, but even so, the thought of having a leak while out working or shopping etc was causing me quite high levels of anxiety.

I contacted my stoma team, who I’d like to reiterate have been amazing, and made an appointment to see them. I am now using a different type of bag which feels much more secure and also has a strap for extra hold. I now feel much happier going out and doing things and my sleep is much better. I still have to be up a couple of times a night to empty the bag, but this doesn’t wake me up anywhere near as much so I’m able to get back to sleep relatively quickly.

I went out for an Indian with my football team last weekend, which I was fairly concerned about. I’d only just started using my new bags and I’d not been out for a meal in a large group, only with Char. I was also concerned how the meal would affect my output. The evening went great and the only real side effect was my output being completely red for a few hours the next day (I’d had a masala).

A couple of days ago we visited Chessington World of Adventures as a family and again the day went well. I went on all the rides with no issues and made sure I kept on top of emptying my bag. I also walked over 14,000 steps that day and the day before, which is the most I’ve done since leaving the hospital.

I’m having pretty much zero pain except some small soreness around my stoma, but this is generally fixed with a little powder I’ve been given. I’d also like to say that my new support belt is great and thank you to all those who gave money towards that.  The photo shows my current weight. I’ve gained around 10lbs since returning home.

Things are improving all the time.

4/9/20