From Crohns disease to a bowel transplant being a patient isn't easy - 050212

Been feeling a bit down in the dumps this weekend. In all honesty I am not sure why. Yes my stomach has been giving me a bit of jip and a few extra tramadols have been taken but I don't think that is the problem. I just think it is one of those things. Can't be happy the whole time can I?

I have noticed over the last few days that my mind has started to focus back on work and what I can do and when. I had this pipe dream that I would be able to build a network helping others who are either suffering from Crohns/colitis or contemplating going through a bowel transplant. I would like to feel that I am fairly well equipped to support patients and their families and talk through the issues in hand. I feel very lucky that through this blog, my tweeting and the wonders of the Internet I am not in touch with so many people around the world. I probably spend a few hours a day on line to families and fellow sufferers and for me it is incredibly rewarding. I have been very lucky to have been asked to write a few articles for various patient bodies and the blog now features on a number of different sites. At the same time I have come across some truly inspiring people who despite all their troubles cope amazingly. I feel very lucky to be part of this global community where we all have a common bond and all try and help and inspire others. Hopefully this is something I can continue for years to come and if at the same time I can tell people of the wonders of the team at Oxford then so much the better.

Recently I became trustee of a great Crohns and Colitis charity and of course there is our 3rd Paris to London bike ride to look forward too. This year my wife is part of the crew and one of my son's is riding part of the course so feel free to click the link on the right for more details - excuse the shameless plug!!

On the work front my mind inevitably wanders back to licensing and merchandising as this is the area I have worked in for twenty years. Things have changed enormously over the last couple of years but finally the old brain is starting to work and I have a few things that I am looking to develop so hopefully watch this space.

Meanwhile back in my bowel transplant world there is actually not much new to report. Food seems to be the last thing I want at the moment but before anyone shouts at me I am still trying, or rather my wife continues to place portions of food in front of me to eat. Am back at Oxford on Wednesday for the next check up and in the meantime let's see what happens with the feed. My dietitian seems happy that the output is now not happening as soon as the feed goes on. In fact it can be six hours later before the flood gates open. Soon I will have to go back on to the "full fat" feed again so let's see what happens then. I will keep you posted.

I figured that might be a good time to start posting a few images of life in hospital. As well as doing the blog my wife also kept a photo record of all stages of my recovery. So please ignore the fact that I will probably remind you of what George Clooney looks like in a hospital gown and have a look at my first pic. This is me in intensive care soon after theatre. Feel free to comment in any way you wish!!

Till tomorrow.

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