Showing posts with label day surgery. Show all posts
Showing posts with label day surgery. Show all posts

Monday, 9 March 2015

Being Diagnosed With Colitis

If you have been reading my "Katie Health Update" post you would of know I have been having bowel problems for a long time but I never really went into too much detail. Without sounding gross its hard to explain bowel problems as you can imagine to be honest. 


A bit of a background.. I was diagnosed with IBS many many years ago so always suffered with bloating and had to watch what I eat ect then about 3 years ago I started getting other problems which in those 3 years its results in me having three operations, treated for various things and being put on many treatment/medication but still nothing seemed to help. In January of this year I had an operation which I wrote about HERE. During that operation a few biopsies was taken and I didn't really think much about the results as I have so much other illnesses going on that I didn't worry at all. On 20th February, I went to see my Surgeon and because I've not got any answers for years I simply didn't expect any news. Mr George (my amazing specialist) just came out with it but Im glad as he didn't beat around the bush and literally explained everything so simple and clear.. He diagnosed me with Colitis. I finally got the answer I've been wanting for so long. I now can rest knowing they know the cause to all the pain and trouble I have suffered with. You can click HERE to learn more about what Colitis is as to be honest I still don't know much about it but basically Colitis is inflammation of the inner lining of the Colon. It is such a relief to finally know the reason to all my symptoms over the past few years but its a weird feeling as I slowly begin to realise that this is a long term illness and treatment will be needed for a long long time. I've been given Asacol and seeing my specialist again next month to go through things properly and put a proper treatment plan into plan. 

image from pinterest 

So it is a weird feeling of being happy you finally got diagnosed but then also confused and sad about what the illness actually is. Having Ankylosing Spondylitis (I done a post HERE explaining everything) was such a shock that I've sort of became used to being told crap things about my health. Having a Chronic Illness it sort of makes you stronger in a weird way, I feel like I've put up with some much crap from people and so much pain than I have made myself more strong and I don't give a crap about things I use to worry about now. I suppose it hasn't really sunk in yet and maybe I should be worrying alot more than I am? Chronic/long term illnesses makes a MASSIVE impact on yourself and feelings, my head is always all over the place. I never know what to say, do or feel and guilt is a massive part of my life at the moment. Guilty for feeling ill, for being in pain and for moaning..  I always think I shouldn't moan as Im lucky to be alive?! Arghhhhhhh am I the only who feels alot of emotions and guilt about having illnesses? 

Love Katie x 

Monday, 26 January 2015

Hospital Bag - Day Surgery




Having quite a fair few operations in my lifetime has meant I now what exactly what I need and don't need to pack for day surgery. Saying that I always take things I don't use just to be safe as you never know if they decide you have to stay in and I think it makes you feel better knowing you have stuff you might need if that makes sense. I just have a rule that I always get new pajamas and slippers for every operation I have purely because I like them to be clean and totally new. My operation in few days I haven't gotten new items as my last one was weeks ago but they have been cleaned washed and not been used since. So here is my checklist of what I pack into my hospital bag for a day surgery. Obviously if your staying it would be totally different but this is just a basic general idea of what to pack anyways...



CLOTHES 

  • Dressing Gown
  • Pajamas/Nightdress
  • Day Clothes/Causal 
  • Slippers (I prefer ballerina type ones)
  • Underwear and Socks 
TOILETRIES BAG 
  • Toothbrush/Tooth Paste
  • Shower gel/Shampoo/Conditioner (Always save sample sizes for this)
  • My Cleanser with a Flannel 
  • Deodorant/A Fragrant Spray
  • Hairbrush and Hairbands 
  • Baby wipes (Hate them for my face but if needs be I will use)
  • Hand Cream (Soap & Glory one)
MAKE UP BAG
Can I just say I never intent to even put make up on but incase I stay in longer ect 
  • Concealer
  • Brow Gel 
  • Mirror
  • Vaseline/Lip Balm
  • Eyelash Curlers
  • Powder

RANDOM 
  • BOTTLE OF WATER (THIS IS IMPORTANT)
  • Notebook and Pen 
  • Phone Charger 
  • My Medication 
  • Small Amount Of Money (Car Park or the Shop you never know)
  • Magazine/Book (Although I never end up reading)
  • List of Previous Health Problems/Medication (Trust me sometimes they never have it on their notes and when they ask I never remember)
  • My Diary 


And that is it I think. It does sound like a bag you would pack for an overnight in a hotel doesn't it haha but you would be surprise how much you use from that list. On the day I wear jeggings/leggings, a loose top, my coat and Converse which honestly are so important as you feel so tired and weird from the op that when you go home you need comfort in converse when walking to the car. obviously gloves, scarfs  and hat as it is FREEZING. I manage to squeeze all of this into an Louis Vuitton bag which comes with an matching make up type bag so its ideal (this was given to me) I defo wouldn't never afford this haha) kind of similar to this link here. Also used a BIG weekend bags you get from Primark which are only £3/£5 and do this job just as well. I'm sure I will throw in more stuff just as I'm leaving the door haha and I take things I don't but its like a safety thing I get from packing stuff just incase. Is there anything you would or wouldn't pack or have any good tips to pack an hospital bag? 

Love Katie x