Final Step
There is always a few minutes of waiting before the start of a marathon where I'm standing there in a pack of fellow racers, waiting for the gun to go off. I always feel anxious in those minutes. I know that it's going to be a long run and it's going to be tough, but I just want it to start. That's how I feel right now.
In a few days, I will change my ostomy bag for the last time, say good bye to Lazarus (my stoma) and begin my life with a J-Pouch. While I have studied like crazy about what life will be like with a J-pouch, I know it will be my own journey and everyone has a different experience. As I have read, I have gleaned a few tips that I will be prepared to implement as I get used to my new plumbing. They include:
1. Calmoseptine Ointment - Supposed to be a lifesaver for the dreaded butt burn.
2. Bidet - I'll be installing this upgrade to my toilet this weekend. This is also supposed to reduce irritation from the frequent trips to the potty / toilet paper use. Maybe everyone in the house will want to use it and we wont even need TP anymore? This will be a tough sell, especially as it gets closer to winter (My cheapness stopped me from buying a bidet with heated water).
3. Flushable wipes - Supposed to be much easier on the tush then the standard 2-ply
4. Adult Diapers - As much as I hate the idea of having to use these again, I understand they may be necessary for the first little bit. (My heart wont be broken if that box never has to be opened)
I have also been reading a ton about what to expect. There are hundreds of stories out there where people have documented their experiences. I found some that I have referred to several times that give me great hope that I can expect a positive outcome. It's unreal the amount of people that have actually been through this. Even a few professional athletes. One that I am really inspired by is:
Darren Fletcher - Pro Soccer Player in the UK (Manchester United) - Ulcerative Colitis survivor & fellow J-Poucher.
The second picture is actually me, I bought his jersey to remind me that people have gone through this before and been able to have awesome lives afterwards, even be pro athletes. So, maybe it's not too late to give up on my dream of playing professional soccer. I just need to convince the world that being 43 years old is not too late to begin a career as a professional athlete (I would also need to learn how to play soccer).
I am going into this final surgery with confidence, faith and hope that this is all going to work out. I get that there will be months of adjusting. There is no way to fast forward time but every day of those months must be lived and experienced. I will need to dig deep and channel my inner Wolverine. I'm just ready to get started.
There is always a few minutes of waiting before the start of a marathon where I'm standing there in a pack of fellow racers, waiting for the gun to go off. I always feel anxious in those minutes. I know that it's going to be a long run and it's going to be tough, but I just want it to start. That's how I feel right now.
In a few days, I will change my ostomy bag for the last time, say good bye to Lazarus (my stoma) and begin my life with a J-Pouch. While I have studied like crazy about what life will be like with a J-pouch, I know it will be my own journey and everyone has a different experience. As I have read, I have gleaned a few tips that I will be prepared to implement as I get used to my new plumbing. They include:
1. Calmoseptine Ointment - Supposed to be a lifesaver for the dreaded butt burn.
2. Bidet - I'll be installing this upgrade to my toilet this weekend. This is also supposed to reduce irritation from the frequent trips to the potty / toilet paper use. Maybe everyone in the house will want to use it and we wont even need TP anymore? This will be a tough sell, especially as it gets closer to winter (My cheapness stopped me from buying a bidet with heated water).
3. Flushable wipes - Supposed to be much easier on the tush then the standard 2-ply
4. Adult Diapers - As much as I hate the idea of having to use these again, I understand they may be necessary for the first little bit. (My heart wont be broken if that box never has to be opened)
I have also been reading a ton about what to expect. There are hundreds of stories out there where people have documented their experiences. I found some that I have referred to several times that give me great hope that I can expect a positive outcome. It's unreal the amount of people that have actually been through this. Even a few professional athletes. One that I am really inspired by is:
Darren Fletcher - Pro Soccer Player in the UK (Manchester United) - Ulcerative Colitis survivor & fellow J-Poucher.
The second picture is actually me, I bought his jersey to remind me that people have gone through this before and been able to have awesome lives afterwards, even be pro athletes. So, maybe it's not too late to give up on my dream of playing professional soccer. I just need to convince the world that being 43 years old is not too late to begin a career as a professional athlete (I would also need to learn how to play soccer).
I am going into this final surgery with confidence, faith and hope that this is all going to work out. I get that there will be months of adjusting. There is no way to fast forward time but every day of those months must be lived and experienced. I will need to dig deep and channel my inner Wolverine. I'm just ready to get started.
