You rock! wow. I'm 25 years old. I have had IBS since I was 17. Nothing like IBD!! but have suffered with a lot of pain. Happily, when I was 22 yr I found a doctor that could help. I'm feeling better now, but still have times when I can't believe how much pain I was in and how I got through it. You are a remarkable person!! Being 20 (21?) and overcoming so much! I watched the video where you replace your ostomy bag (with your mom as helper lol). You are so strong. I hope you feel better soon.
I have my first surgery in about a week, I'm really scared about the whole thing, I've read so many bad things that could happen during and after surgery, but I'm a strong person, so I'd really rather go through this than deal with all the pain. Just want to say your videos have helped me so much thank you so much.
Not sure If you saw my post on how my surgery went? It posted under where I posted my last post when I said I was going to have surgery. Hope you can find it. It's pretty long. Nothing good has happened since surgery. It's gotten worse. Well again I hope you find it and read it. I do need some advise Thank you!
Thanks for spreading power to all of us. I've had my colon removed Jan'15 and ileostomy takedown May'15. Both surgeries with serious complications linke bleedings, abcess formations ... Trying to hang in there to get through this period. It feels heartwarming to hear from a similar strong person. Cherish the experiences and think of what they've made you.
Thank you so much for sharing your story. I started crying almost the whole video. I have been through some things but not like you. I pray to God to bless your health, and all those who are suffering with these types of stomach issues. What made me cry was that God will not put us through more that we have the potential to bare, so you must be really strong and are meant to do a lot of good in this world. I pray that God guides you in your life closer to Him and that He showers you with love, kinds, forgiveness and mercy, and that you become a successful doctor. Your story has touched my life, and I really will try my best not to complain so much for my little issues knowing that people like you have really been through it and still are showing us your beautiful smile. God bless
Thank you so much. I had a similar experience with 2 operations in 10 days. The last was just January 23. I am recovering slowly and have had a hard time finding a system that works. The convex has finally worked well and kept the seal. I had 2 bouts in ICU and agree it was traumatic. I am learning you have to be tenacious in finding what works best for you. Thanks again for sharing.
Thank you so much for sharing - my little brother's UC story sound so similar to yours (false remission, not responding to Remicaid). He just had his colectomy surgery, and I value your channel so much for giving me insight into what he has and will go through.
You are an inspiration to many who are about to go through similar to what you have been through. One thing it shows to many is that if a 20 year old can get through all this so can anyone. Keep living life to the fullest and thank you for sharing your condition.
Hi Laura. I'm having a total colectomy next Friday. I have had Ulcerative Colitis for the past 2 years and it just took over my life. Your videos have really helped me understand more about what i will be going through....i was quite scared until i watched your videos. So thank you for sharing your experiences and helping others.
It's great that you have the confidence and strength to share your story, I had my Ostomy when I was 21 and I've had it now for over 20yrs and still going strong. Hope you are doing okay.
Hey again. I'm two months post op now and my word, where has my life been for the past year+ ?? So much more energy now, life is so much more enriched from the OP that I'd say any anxiety anyone has about getting it done should just be pushed to the side, look forward to having your life back once it's done! Was savage I must admit, quite a while in hospital after a nasty bleed and a second visit to theatre. It's all manageable though with the right mindset, having good people helps so much.
Thank you for sharing, I had a total colectomy 2 years ago. Your story sounds very similar to mine. Tried everything for 9 years, then finally decided that wasn't a way to live. I was sick of seeing the bathroom in every building I would visit. Surgery was scary, and post op was dark, but it was amazing to immediately feel better, and be able to eat your favorite foods again! I hope you are doing well, thanks for sharing your story!
I'm having my colon removed in a little over a week, and I've been watching your videos since I first started contemplating surgery a few months ago. Thank you so much for creating this channel! I'm close to your age -- almost 23 now, and live in Illinois.
Hi Laura, Thank you for sharing and teaching you are an inspiration. I know this video is from late 2012, I hope you are doing well I am six weeks out on my surgery and I have to say the 5 1/2 hrs of surgery was easy. Getting comfortable with the bag is challenging. Take care.
They told me I had colitis, and "remove the organ, remove the disease"....at 19, my entire colon was removed. Lived with the "Bag" for a year, then had J-Pouch surgery....2 years of good health...then BAM-- OOPS! Turns out it was CROHN'S DISEASE the whole time. Now, Crohn's has riddled my remaining small intestine and my quality of life is awful.
You are amazing, such an inspiration. I am studying ileostomy as part of my dietetics postgrad and your vids have made me learn so much thank you. God bless you x x
I've been unable to get my pancolitis under control since my diagnosis two years ago and I'm very much in the same boat you were when you decided to have surgery. My doctors are saying this colectomy is pretty much inevitable at this point, and at 19, living your life the way I do, going to the bathroom 20+ times a day on 40mg of steroids and a double dose of Remi as well as Uceris foam twice a day? It's not sustainable. It's painful. It's exhausting. But my first surgery is October 5th and I wanted to thank you for sharing your story and making this video. I'm laying here in my empty dorm room thinking about what'll happen over the next few months that I'm not in school but listening to you talk about your life after surgery gives me hope that I'll be able to live a normal life too. Like you said, it won't be perfect, but it'll be great regardless. I'll still have to work a little harder than the average bear to take care of myself but that's okay. I'm babbling, but thank you for this. Means a lot to me to know that somebody else understands as deeply as you do. 💙
Well, when I spoke to the surgeon he asked how I was feeling about it and I said I was looking forward to it. So he corrected me and said "ah, you are looking forward to being on the other side of it" which I thought was a much better way of putting it! I am excited for how my health improve gradually after the op, but definitely a bit nervous about it all. I hope you are staying healthy and things are nice and positive for you. Thanks for your words : )
This is very helpful for me. I had my pre op assessment today, with my surgery happening in around 3 weeks time for removal of a section of my colon. Just trying to put on weight and fill my body with goodness so its able to bounce back somewhat after the op. I was interested to find out about the kind of mindset I might be in post op, you seem quite the trooper. But I think we must be with these things! We're better for what they show us : ) Indeed I am better off from your vid. Cheers!
Hey, thank you for all your videos. I just had my total colectomy with ileostomy done two weeks ago. Anyways I'm still in lots of pain and had expected to be way better by now. Can I ask you how long you were in pain for?
Hi hunny, how are you feeling now? I hope things are starting to get more normal for you now. The pain with gas for the first month or two out of surgery are definitely the worst. Gas X helped me a bit, I also walked a ton when they got bad (more like hobbled). How is your bowel functioning now?
@@floweriehearts I realize you had surgery years ago but I am scheduled for a total colectomy with IRA on January 10 and am nervous. I have had colonic inertia for over 15 years. Ready for a better quality of life.
@@tngal121 good luck with your surgery! It has helped me so much. I no longer need to take tons of medications to go to the bathroom. I only had one complication- chronic anemia and iron deficiency since the surgery but I was told it’s rare to have this happen.
Hi Laura, good to see and hear ur video, I wish to ask u that how can you get the accessories, do you have supply access and how do you control the gas?
I am going to be a travel agent. I am planning on groups for people who are Ostimates, Illiostomy, Colostomy, Urostomy, and Double Ostomates Colostomy and Urostomy Usually Cancer patients. This Group will be a nice place to meet new friends with the same problem. Margaret
who was your doctor at Cleveland Clinic, I had all three of my surgeries there. Dr Alexander was my doctor he was great. though his assistant puntured my urithra with a foley and filled my abdoman with urine, then they SENT ME HOME., I ended up in a hospital in Florida were I live for another month, they gave me paritantis. That was rough
Hi Zenebe, I order them online. You can google "Hollister Ostomy Supplies" and find a link from there. I take an over the counter drug called "Gas Z" (Also called Simethicone).
Laura I have this question. It might sound stupid I mean no offense really but this is it: After your operation, did you loose all entire Defecation "normal" urge? You have no more Peristalsis but just to the point of your STOMA right? Thank you and God Bless :)
Thanks for the video--I know it's been a few years since this video wondering if I could ask you a question about nutrition-and diet for Total Abdominal Colectomy? Getting mixed information from nutritionists thanks!
Hi Laura! Just watched this -you’re very inspiring for all you e been through -is there a way to ask you a personal question ? Through FB ? Or another platform? Thanks
I want to thank you about all videos you add you are very brave . I have 4 year daughter she diagnosed chron's diseases . she went through all medications you talk about and she still sick and we about the surgery . my question is if you back with time are you gonna choices the surgery again? I hope you do understand my poor English . Regards.
they want to do a total colectomy for me as well, I have crohns disease with pancolitis. and exact same meds. please i would love to speak with you! they want to do surgery Oct 13th. and also at cleveland clinic.
You rock! wow. I'm 25 years old. I have had IBS since I was 17. Nothing like IBD!! but have suffered with a lot of pain. Happily, when I was 22 yr I found a doctor that could help. I'm feeling better now, but still have times when I can't believe how much pain I was in and how I got through it. You are a remarkable person!! Being 20 (21?) and overcoming so much! I watched the video where you replace your ostomy bag (with your mom as helper lol). You are so strong. I hope you feel better soon.
I have my first surgery in about a week, I'm really scared about the whole thing, I've read so many bad things that could happen during and after surgery, but I'm a strong person, so I'd really rather go through this than deal with all the pain. Just want to say your videos have helped me so much thank you so much.
How did it go?
Not sure If you saw my post on how my surgery went? It posted under where I posted my last post when I said I was going to have surgery. Hope you can find it. It's pretty long. Nothing good has happened since surgery. It's gotten worse. Well again I hope you find it and read it. I do need some advise Thank you!
Thanks for spreading power to all of us. I've had my colon removed Jan'15 and ileostomy takedown May'15. Both surgeries with serious complications linke bleedings, abcess formations ... Trying to hang in there to get through this period. It feels heartwarming to hear from a similar strong person. Cherish the experiences and think of what they've made you.
Thank you so much for sharing your story. I started crying almost the whole video. I have been through some things but not like you. I pray to God to bless your health, and all those who are suffering with these types of stomach issues. What made me cry was that God will not put us through more that we have the potential to bare, so you must be really strong and are meant to do a lot of good in this world. I pray that God guides you in your life closer to Him and that He showers you with love, kinds, forgiveness and mercy, and that you become a successful doctor. Your story has touched my life, and I really will try my best not to complain so much for my little issues knowing that people like you have really been through it and still are showing us your beautiful smile. God bless
Thank you so much. I had a similar experience with 2 operations in 10 days. The last was just January 23. I am recovering slowly and have had a hard time finding a system that works. The convex has finally worked well and kept the seal. I had 2 bouts in ICU and agree it was traumatic. I am learning you have to be tenacious in finding what works best for you. Thanks again for sharing.
Thank you so much for sharing - my little brother's UC story sound so similar to yours (false remission, not responding to Remicaid). He just had his colectomy surgery, and I value your channel so much for giving me insight into what he has and will go through.
You are an inspiration to many who are about to go through similar to what you have been through. One thing it shows to many is that if a 20 year old can get through all this so can anyone. Keep living life to the fullest and thank you for sharing your condition.
THANK U SO MUCH U ARE STRONGER THAN U WILL EVER KNOW
Hi Laura. I'm having a total colectomy next Friday. I have had Ulcerative Colitis for the past 2 years and it just took over my life. Your videos have really helped me understand more about what i will be going through....i was quite scared until i watched your videos. So thank you for sharing your experiences and helping others.
It's great that you have the confidence and strength to share your story, I had my Ostomy when I was 21 and I've had it now for over 20yrs and still going strong.
Hope you are doing okay.
Hey again. I'm two months post op now and my word, where has my life been for the past year+ ?? So much more energy now, life is so much more enriched from the OP that I'd say any anxiety anyone has about getting it done should just be pushed to the side, look forward to having your life back once it's done! Was savage I must admit, quite a while in hospital after a nasty bleed and a second visit to theatre. It's all manageable though with the right mindset, having good people helps so much.
Thank you for sharing, I had a total colectomy 2 years ago. Your story sounds very similar to mine. Tried everything for 9 years, then finally decided that wasn't a way to live. I was sick of seeing the bathroom in every building I would visit. Surgery was scary, and post op was dark, but it was amazing to immediately feel better, and be able to eat your favorite foods again! I hope you are doing well, thanks for sharing your story!
Renee Godke how are you doing after surgery now?
I'm having my colon removed in a little over a week, and I've been watching your videos since I first started contemplating surgery a few months ago. Thank you so much for creating this channel! I'm close to your age -- almost 23 now, and live in Illinois.
Hi Laura, Thank you for sharing and teaching you are an inspiration. I know this video is from late 2012, I hope you are doing well I am six weeks out on my surgery and I have to say the 5 1/2 hrs of surgery was easy. Getting comfortable with the bag is challenging. Take care.
They told me I had colitis, and "remove the organ, remove the disease"....at 19, my entire colon was removed. Lived with the "Bag" for a year, then had J-Pouch surgery....2 years of good health...then BAM-- OOPS! Turns out it was CROHN'S DISEASE the whole time. Now, Crohn's has riddled my remaining small intestine and my quality of life is awful.
Jennifer Harrison how is life now? I’ve had similar issues
Thank you for being so open and honest.
You are amazing, such an inspiration. I am studying ileostomy as part of my dietetics postgrad and your vids have made me learn so much thank you. God bless you x x
You are SO Brave at such a young age.
I've been unable to get my pancolitis under control since my diagnosis two years ago and I'm very much in the same boat you were when you decided to have surgery. My doctors are saying this colectomy is pretty much inevitable at this point, and at 19, living your life the way I do, going to the bathroom 20+ times a day on 40mg of steroids and a double dose of Remi as well as Uceris foam twice a day? It's not sustainable. It's painful. It's exhausting. But my first surgery is October 5th and I wanted to thank you for sharing your story and making this video. I'm laying here in my empty dorm room thinking about what'll happen over the next few months that I'm not in school but listening to you talk about your life after surgery gives me hope that I'll be able to live a normal life too. Like you said, it won't be perfect, but it'll be great regardless. I'll still have to work a little harder than the average bear to take care of myself but that's okay. I'm babbling, but thank you for this. Means a lot to me to know that somebody else understands as deeply as you do. 💙
Hi! Exact same situation as me right now Haha. How is it going now?
Well, when I spoke to the surgeon he asked how I was feeling about it and I said I was looking forward to it. So he corrected me and said "ah, you are looking forward to being on the other side of it" which I thought was a much better way of putting it! I am excited for how my health improve gradually after the op, but definitely a bit nervous about it all. I hope you are staying healthy and things are nice and positive for you. Thanks for your words : )
This is very helpful for me. I had my pre op assessment today, with my surgery happening in around 3 weeks time for removal of a section of my colon. Just trying to put on weight and fill my body with goodness so its able to bounce back somewhat after the op. I was interested to find out about the kind of mindset I might be in post op, you seem quite the trooper. But I think we must be with these things! We're better for what they show us : ) Indeed I am better off from your vid. Cheers!
Thanks for sharing your story. I have UC and wanted to know more about the colon surgery experience. Cheers from Buenos Aires.
I hope you feel better soon and the doctors at the Cleveland Clinic can help you! Let us know how it goes!
Hey Laura, Happy healthy new year! Do let us know how things go at Cleveland Clinic! Get well soon xx
thankyou for sharing your story ❤ hope you are healing and wish you good health and happiness 😊
thank you so much your video has given me hope for my mother
Thanks so much for the strength and courage for sharing this ! So young I know this video was made a few years ago how are you doing now?
So cute! Thanks for sharing your experience it was so informative
Hey, thank you for all your videos. I just had my total colectomy with ileostomy done two weeks ago. Anyways I'm still in lots of pain and had expected to be way better by now. Can I ask you how long you were in pain for?
no point posting and not answering questions. Thanks Laura
Hi hunny, how are you feeling now? I hope things are starting to get more normal for you now. The pain with gas for the first month or two out of surgery are definitely the worst. Gas X helped me a bit, I also walked a ton when they got bad (more like hobbled). How is your bowel functioning now?
I'm so glad to hear that they've helped. I hope your surgery goes smoothly and you have a quick recovery! Are you nervous/excited?
I have bad colonic inertia and may be having a colectomy, thanks for the video
Steve Dryden I have colonic inertia too. I’m having partial colectomy on Thursday.
@@floweriehearts I realize you had surgery years ago but I am scheduled for a total colectomy with IRA on January 10 and am nervous. I have had colonic inertia for over 15 years. Ready for a better quality of life.
@@tngal121 good luck with your surgery! It has helped me so much. I no longer need to take tons of medications to go to the bathroom. I only had one complication- chronic anemia and iron deficiency since the surgery but I was told it’s rare to have this happen.
@@floweriehearts thank you for your encouragement. I truly appreciate it.
Hi Laura, good to see and hear ur video, I wish to ask u that how can you get the accessories, do you have supply access and how do you control the gas?
I am going to be a travel agent.
I am planning on groups for people who are Ostimates, Illiostomy, Colostomy, Urostomy,
and Double Ostomates Colostomy and Urostomy Usually Cancer patients.
This Group will be a nice place to meet new friends with the same problem.
Margaret
who was your doctor at Cleveland Clinic, I had all three of my surgeries there. Dr Alexander was my doctor he was great. though his assistant puntured my urithra with a foley and filled my abdoman with urine, then they SENT ME HOME., I ended up in a hospital in Florida were I live for another month, they gave me paritantis. That was rough
Hi Zenebe, I order them online. You can google "Hollister Ostomy Supplies" and find a link from there. I take an over the counter drug called "Gas Z" (Also called Simethicone).
Laura I have this question. It might sound stupid I mean no offense really but this is it: After your operation, did you loose all entire Defecation "normal" urge? You have no more Peristalsis but just to the point of your STOMA right? Thank you and God Bless :)
Thanks for the video--I know it's been a few years since this video wondering if I could ask you a question about nutrition-and diet for Total Abdominal Colectomy? Getting mixed information from nutritionists thanks!
U r very brave for doing this video
Hi Laura! Just watched this -you’re very inspiring for all you e been through -is there a way to ask you a personal question ? Through FB ? Or another platform? Thanks
I want to thank you about all videos you add you are very brave .
I have 4 year daughter she diagnosed chron's diseases . she went through all medications you talk about and she still sick and we about the surgery . my question is if you back with time are you gonna choices the surgery again?
I hope you do understand my poor English .
Regards.
Brave girl taught me mucho, thanks. I have a 6 mo. colostomy.
so young to have this terrible disease:(
Why does the title say right after but in the video you say it's been a year? Confusing.
they want to do a total colectomy for me as well, I have crohns disease with pancolitis. and exact same meds. please i would love to speak with you! they want to do surgery Oct 13th. and also at cleveland clinic.
You're a strong beautiful woman
Hi! I'm having total
Colectomy July 28 th! Thank you xo
What is your new diet? Now are some food not able to be broken down and just wash out of you?
How much imuran were you on?
175 mg of Imuran, and 10 mg/ kg of Remicade, and 40 mg of steroids
R u getting j pouch?
i go to the cleveland clinic