I started CBT this week. Well, the first pre-session appointment. And the psychological wellbeing practitioner hit the nail on the head with some of the issues I have. When someone, who doesn’t know you in any capacity, can spend twenty minutes with you and your reactions, pin point your issues and make a treatment plan; you know it’s going to be worth the effort. I went in to the room…
crohns disease
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Open Letter: Stoma Bag Change
Despite doing my own research prior to my ostomy surgery, nothing really can prepare you for changing your bag for the first time. Let alone the hundredth or whatever. I sat removing my leaky bag earlier on, remembering my first bag change when I felt in control. It must have been a couple months post op when I wasn’t afraid of looking at it or feeling it. I’d gotten use…
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2017 – Year in Review
Well, 2017 was abit of nightmare at times eh? Just over half way through the year, my illness blind sided me and I was totally unprepared. I’d forgotten about my Crohn’s Disease because I was busy. Which is a terrible excuse but a god’s honest truth. And when I say that out loud, it sounds terrible because who forgets their illness when they get busy. It’s probably because I was…
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10 Festive Tips for Eating and Enjoying Yourself at Christmas with an Ostomy
Disclaimer: This information is based on my own personal experiences since my ostomy surgery in August 2016. If you are seeking dietary advice regarding your stoma, please contact your stoma nurse, dietician or medical team for further assistance. Christmas 2017 marks my second festive period with my stoma. Last year, I was just four months into my journey of being ostomate and it felt too soon to give any tips. I was seeing…
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2018 Goals
Back in late 2016, I set myself these goals. All because that year was probably the most challenging and life changing year I’ve had with my IBD since diagnosis. Because I felt that I needed some focus and some ambition to drive me forward. I wanted to achieve something, beyond the realms of my illness. For the most part, I’ve ticked off almost all of my 2017 goals. I haven’t…
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Ostomy Blockages: How to Cope
Disclaimer: This information is based on my own personal experience since my ostomy surgery in August 2016 and is not intended to replace medical advice from a trained professional. If you are requiring advice regarding your own stoma, routines which might benefit you most, or products that suit your needs best, please contact your stoma care nurse for further assistance. It is early December and I am sat here dealing…
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Turning a Corner: An Update
Hello! Welcome back! I’ve returned! It might have been only a short and temporary pause in my writing about my life with this wonderful chronic illness that is IBD but it feels like forever. It has not been, it’s just been a storm of shite. Both good and bad. Last time I was writing, I had just had my final loading dose of Vedolizumab. Happy to report that the post…
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Vedolizumab: A Rocky New Start
Have you ever wanted to just get through something, so you can start to feel better? That’s how I’ve felt about this pending infusion. I’m not one to rush through something, to just reach the end and say it’s over and done with, I appreciate my struggle and woes as much as I appreciate and celebrate my highs and all those good feelings that come with them. But these past…
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“What is a Stoma?” Part IV: Ostomy Appliances
Disclaimer: This information is based on my own research into this particular aspect of stoma care as well as some personal experience and should not be used as medical advice or a diagnostic tool. The suggestions given within are taken from sources laid out in the references header. If you seek advice regarding the things you experience within your own disease, please contact your SCN for medical advice. If you are looking for the other…