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Taking my first walk
After about a week I took my first walk along the road, then after a couple more weeks I walked along the seafront with a few stops in-between. Things got much easier as time progressed and now emptying, changing and dealing with my ostomy has become second nature.
Half the time I don't even know it's there!
No need for a prolonged morning routine
My usual routine in the morning is to have a shave (face not legs!), shower, then put on a new pouch, and that will last me until the next morning. I get my new pouch and stuff ready the night before, so it takes just five minutes.
A change in energy
Before my operation, I was very ill with Crohn's and was housebound. I just couldn't go out for fear of having an 'accident' and I had no energy. I was constantly rushing to the bathroom. Now I can go out and do most of the things that I used to be able to do.
Knowing what to consume
My first trip out was in December when my family took me to Winter Wonderland in London, UK. I had thought I would never go out again, but we had a lovely Christmas that year and I was able to eat all the things I used to with no problems. You get to know the things you can and can't eat.
Taking up old hobbies
I have given myself some projects this year. The first was to restore my mountain bike, which I stripped down and had re-sprayed. It now looks like a new bike!
In the 1980s, I used to be a DJ and I would like to get back into it, so I have been getting together some gear and building my own lights. It is great to be able to get back to the things I enjoy!
