On the Right Side

In the words of Genie from Aladdin:

"I'm history! No, I'm mythology! Nah, I don't care what I am, I'm FREE!"

I'm out of hospital, I'm free!  I am delighted to be eating my mum's cooking and sleeping in my own bed!  I can't tell you how much of a relief that is.

Don't get me wrong, I am full of gratitude for all the surgeons, anaesthetists, nurses, physiotherapists and every other medical professional that brought me to this side of the surgery.  It's just that hospital is not home.  Stating the obvious, I know, but hospitals are places where we go to be mended, the real healing begins when you get back to your family and familiar surroundings.

This operation, unlike any others I have had, involved a rather unpleasant reaction to the anaesthetic and I spent Monday night shaking, vomiting and generally feeling very horrible. (Apologies again to the Husband and friend who were on the receiving end of that!) I have had a fair few general anaesthetics in my time and that was the first to cause that kind of experience, certainly not fun but over by the following morning and, given my condition, probably significantly worse for my loved ones than for me. The next challenge was the removal of the epidural.  Sadly, with an epidural the real benefit is only realised on removal, when the pain it has been masking becomes quite real!  It took a while to settle on a method of pain relief that was both effective and that didn't cause me to fall asleep at the end of each sentence... Once that was dealt with, however, I started to feel more like me again and I just wanted to go home.

As anyone who has stayed in hospital knows, the food is a hot topic of conversation!  As the daughter of an ex-dining room manager of a hospital, I know that the food on the wards often gets unfair press.  I was very impressed by the way the staff worked hard to ensure there was always a gluten free option available for me, even though some days I couldn't even look at food.  I was most excited by gluten free sandwiches some days!

Egg and cheese (gluten free) sandwiches!

I honestly believe that the hospital food issue is a no-win area.  After all, most of the people eating the food are quite ill (and even Michelin starred food would turn their stomachs) and there will always be limits to what hospital staff can produce under the time and money pressures that they already face.  I am grateful for the efforts made by all to accommodate my dietary requirements and I'm hugely appreciative for all that the NHS has given me.

For now, I am quite sore, tired, and the various incisions are beginning to itch, but I don't care!  I am home.

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Under the Knife

By the time you read this I might already be in surgery, or will be recovering in hospital. That's right, on Monday afternoon I go under the knife to remove my large intestine and to form an ileostomy!  Once upon a time, (three weeks ago!) when I got the call to offer me this surgical appointment, this day felt a long way away. Now, as I type this post after I have packed my hospital bag, stocked up on reading material and ensured the Husband has enough food for a week, it feels like time has rushed by.


This surgery marks the end of a very long road of pain, sickness, fatigue and heartache. As anyone with chronic disease will tell you, sometimes you grow sick and tired of being sick and tired! I'm looking forward to the future with renewed energy and positivity. (Just as soon as the scars heal!)


Some of the people I have spoken to about this assume that this operation as a bad thing, they expect me to be downbeat about it. This is not the case. I am glad it's happening, this is a very good thing.

Let's just explode some misunderstandings before we go any further. 

1. This is not reversible, I have had a permanent colostomy for the past 3 years - this surgery will completely remove my large intestine - there is no going back.
2. No, this won't cure my Crohn's Disease. Crohn's affects the entire digestive system and although my colon is the most damaged area it could present elsewhere, however this surgery is my best chance for remission.
3. Neither will it cure my Coeliac Disease. I will always require a gluten free diet. The part of intestine most affected by Coeliac Disease is the duodenam, the first section of intestine as it leaves the stomach (which will be unaffected, unless something goes very wrong!).

This post is my chance to thank everyone for their support. My Husband and family, as always, have been there for me, as have my friends. Thanks, too, to my Twitter friends, who have been enormously supportive, despite many of them having health issues of their own to contend with. And, of course to all of you who have sent such uplifting messages through this blog. I don't have the words to express just how much strength you have given me.


Here's to good health in the future!

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Blueberry Pie

I had my pre-op assessment today.  After checking my heart and blood pressure, taking blood samples and swabs of my nose (I'm very ticklish), and asking me questions about every single aspect of my health, I am ready for surgery!  I will be admitted to the ward on Sunday 5th February for ilestomy surgery on the 6th.  

Yikes.

In no time at all, I will be free from the damaged colon that has caused me so much pain and discomfort over the years.  I'm not particularly looking forward to the pain of recovery (who would?) but, I know that when the healing process is complete I will have a brand new lease of life.  

With that in mind, I thought I deserved a wee celebration!  I can't eat massive amounts at the moment so a mini pie seemed perfect.

Mini Blueberry Pies

400g gluten free shortcrust pastry (Dietary Specials shortcrust pastry would be ideal, or use homemade)

225g blueberries

2 tbsps caster sugar

1 tsp arrowroot powder

1 tsp lemon juice

1 egg

• Combine blueberries, sugar and lemon juice in a bowl.  Lightly press the berries to release a little juice. Leave the berry/sugar mixture to stand for about 30 minutes for the juices and sugar to combine.
• Roll out 2/3 of the pastry to 2-3mm thickness and cut out 12, 3-4 inch rounds, gently press them into a greased shallow bun tray.  
• Sprinkle the arrowroot powder over the berry mix (sieve if lumpy) and mix well.  Place tablespoon sized portions of berries into each pastry case.
• Roll out the remaining pastry and cut out rounds, just large enough to cover each pie.  Place pastry top over each filled pie, pressing the edges to seal.
• Brush the tops with a beaten egg and pierce a hole in the top of each pie to let steam out.  If you do this the other way around you'll seal the hole and the steam will burst the pies!
• Bake at 180 degree for about 15-20 minutes, until tops are golden brown.
• Once baked, remove from the bun tray and allow to cool on a cake rack. (Or, eat whilst still hot!) 

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