From Crohns disease to a bowel transplant being a patient isn't easy - 200212

After the usual bathroom visits in the night (it is actually amazing what you can do with your eyes virtually shut) I woke up feeling really yuk. A dash to the toilet resulted in an early morning chuck up and then it was back to bed. Eventually I summoned the energy to jump in the shower before changing the stoma bag. Well changing the bag was fun. NOT! After using what seemed like an endless amount of wipes I ran out, still that would usually be the time to put on a new bag and get dressed. This time though the output didn't stop. It kept going and going for about 15 mins. Needless to say it was shower time again. Finally I got myself sorted and decided to take the dog for a walk. As you do when your dog does what a dog has to do I carefully picked up his mess only for the bag to split. What is it today with me and poop - don't answer that please.

As you will have probably read my relationship with food is a hot topic at the moment. It took about 1 minute 30 seconds after I woke up from surgery for some people to assume that I would be ready for a full chicken and roast potato meal followed by apple pie oh and don't forget the soup starter. The reality some four months on is that I am eating more than I have for some time but my desire for food hasn't kicked in. I am lucky on two counts; firstly my dietitian is brilliant about taking the stress away from eating and doesn't push me too hard and secondly my wife is equally brilliant at ensuring that I do eat little and often during the day. Without her I would probably eat less as I don't ever really feel hungry. I am still convinced that it will come all in good time but maybe that isn't the case and I know that is what worries her. Sometimes I just want to scream when the word food is mentioned, especially when the first words from some are always what are you eating? why aren't you eating? what shall I make you to eat? Leave me alone please!!

Away from my transplant bubble my eldest son Aaron has his mock GSCEs this week. Scary really that I am old enough to have a son who will be 16 in 2 weeks. He is taller than me, better looking and yes he eats more than me. I am incredibly proud of all three of my kids but I can't help but worry about how well he will do. As long as he does his best then Justine and I can't really ask for more than that.

Ok this morning's dramas are over, let's see what happens this afternoon. I suspect that I will let you know.

Thought you might like this photo. It was written to me by a very dear friend while I was in hospital.

Take care M

Readers who submit articles must agree to our terms of use. The content is the sole responsibility of the contributor and is unmoderated. But we will react if anything that breaks the rules comes to our attention. If you wish to complain about this article, contact us here