Hannah, agh, thank you for inspiring me in so many ways. Welcome back, and thanks for being so open with this stuff. As a fellow UC person, I've always been terrified of losing my colon and seeing you handle this has really helped me with that. Of course, I'm still committed to treating my disease as best I can, but thank you for taking some of the fear and mystery out of this. Thanks for doing what it takes to get better. Infinite hugs. - Hank Also, it sure is nice to never be confused about where my cramps may be coming from :-)
As someone who has crohn's and had my colon removed a year and a half ago, it's really great to see someone talk about it. If you need any advice about keeping up with your ostomy, don't hesitate to let me know! You'll be a pro in no time, but it does have a bit of bumps until you get there. BIGGEST TIP: USE WATERPROOF BED LINERS. it saved my mattress many times while getting used to the bag. Seriously though, email me or something
Hope you're well Hank! I remember talking to you a few years back about starting 6MP. Hopefully your body is behaving and you don't need to consider surgery for a long time :) If you've got any questions about things feel free to shout out, happy to talk about all the poos.
Yes those waterproof bed pads are amazing! It's also super good to have a whole spare set of bed sheets/blankets so when things happen in the middle of the night you can just put fresh bedding on and deal with the other mess after some extra sleep. Finding the right bag can be a big pain in the butt (the stomach butt), especially right after surgery because you're so swollen and things keep moving around. Leaks are bound to happen, and explosive things. Thinking about all this makes me realise how glad I am that I was able to get my jpouch, even if it's not perfect it's so nice not to have to deal with the stoma side of things (Mine was very temperamental and did not want to cooperate, had so many revisions.) . Hope your remaining bowels are behaving and that you are well Kat :)
Having a stoma is soooo much better than having an inflamed colon. I found out that when you have a stoma you are technically handicaped, but i would say you are a lot more handicaped with an inflamed UC. I never let anyone change my stoma (the nurses seemed shocked they where not allowed to change me the first time :P), just a few weeks after i got my stoma i went to Greece and wore a bikini on the beach, i have been backpacking on my own with half of my backpack filled with ostomy bags, and i moved to a different country. Before my surgery i was affraid i would have to go on wellfare, i would have up to 3 months of sick leave from school. Now, thanks to my ostomy and my diet, i work 9 hours each day, travel two hours every day for work and feel mostly great :)
Trauma is trauma, even if it is medical trauma. Seeing a therapist to help sort out what happened will be good thing. Here's hoping your recovery goes quickly and well!
So proud of you. You're going to empower and inspire so many younger people who have a stoma fitted. You're gonna power through, just as you always do. What a lady.
My doctor didnt believe I was having so much pain three years after c section and thought I just wanted pills. After physical therapy and pain management he finally just did laparoscopy. I had scar tissue from my incision connected all the way to my liver. My uterus was healed against my belly button. It's been just over a year since surgery and i'm finally pain free. Doctors need to listen to their patients!
I had a stoma for 4 years following a horrific Crohn's flare up, bowel obstruction and abscess in 2012. Post op recovery took about 6 months, BUT IT WAS SOOO WORTH IT. I had never felt as alive as I did during those 4 years. My stoma gave me the opportunity to persevere with my Bachelors degree and I graduated with a 2:1 in 2015. I was fortunate that my stoma was a loop ileostomy and therefore reversible. I had reversal surgery in 2016 and decided to go vegan. My vegan diet and kept me healthy for the past 2 years and there have been no signs of a further Crohn's flare. My abdomen is full of scars, but they are my battle scars and I LOVE THEM! So let's raise a toast together to a happy and healthy, flare free future. Having a stoma is something to be proud of and I have so much respect for you raising awareness and sharing your story, Hannah. SO MUCH LOVE!!!
I would highly recommend getting yourself into therapy once you are strong enough to leave the house. I have multiple diagnoses of PTSD and a main marker of that is a messed up timeline. Like, when you try to recount a linear progression of events, you just cant. Its good that youre doing it here. I'm so sorry you had to go through. I'm so happy youre on the up and up. I hope you enjoy eating lots of pasta and fish and chips and all of the wonderful happy foods. Bread and butter would be a nice treat. Rest up. You're so strong
So happy you’re on the mend and you’re ready to own your changed body and I’m really curious to learn about all the fantastic and bizarre things bodies can do.
as a nursing student, this helped me so much to understand the disease and how hard it is on the patient from a clinical point of view and a mental, and emotional point of view. thank you so much for sharing even the grim details. you're a rockstar for going through all of that.
Its so frustrating when they see ‘nothing’. Often my tests return with no sign of anything but I’m so ill. It took me three times to go back to hospital last time before they admitted me and would give me anything. Hope you’re getting better, IBD is no joke.
other youtubers: I DIED!!! OUT OF BODY EXPERIENCE!!! MY PLANE CRASHED!!! (turns out there was a tiny turbulance) Hannah: 4 weeks at hospital. look at the poop emoji yay! another tube woohoo! (turns out they removed a part of one of her organs+ another whole organ.Dangerous surgery, lots of body fluids coming out from the places they shouldn't...)
I had a stoma for 12 weeks (bowl cancer operation) and my doctor said I had to have 100g of potato chips a day (for the salt). Always look for the silver lining :).
Atiba Quildan Her throat/vocal cords are probably still healing from all the tubes being put down into her stomach. Also not using your voice much for weeks will also require your body to rebuild those muscles
That, despite being horrific for you and graphic in places, was still entertaining enough to see you’re back in relatively good spirits. That family unit is so useful and I would advise definitely getting help with the potential PTSD as soon as you feel up to it.
My mom found out after getting a stoma that her tennis-buddy had had one for years, and she never even knew! Lots of people shared their stories with her after her surgery. Turns out that many people lead perfectly normal lives with a stoma. Swimming is also no problem - we got her a few classy one-piece swimsuits and she's been rocking them at the beach and pool. :) It can take a while to adjust to that new 'body part', though. Humor helps. We usually find her 'front-facing' farts pretty hilarious. Thanks for sharing so openly and best wishes for your recovery.
Girl, this video makes me want to cry. I have Crohn's disease and know EXACTLY what you've been through. You are SO strong for even being able to make this video. I barely get out of bed anymore, and there's no way I would be able to put makeup on and make a video. MAJOR props to you, seriously. I'm so sorry that they did a colonoscopy without sedative; they don't do that here in the United States. I have been getting the Infliximab for the last 8 years every couple of weeks and I'm currently going through a horrendous reaction to it. Yes, even though I've been on it for 8 years now. You're so strong and I just had to let you know how amazing you are. I'm so thankful you made this video and talk about these types of things because not many people do, especially here on RUclips. Being able to relate to someone like this is incredible, YOU are incredible.
I'm so annoyed with the doctors who didn't believe you and told you you were fine. Doctors who don't believe patients are infuriating, and it seems to happen to female patients more often.
MichiruEll my mum nearly died when she was her baby, part of her intestines had rotted and doctors didn’t believe anything was wrong because my grandma was a young mum so they thought she was just being stupid
I‘ve had constant pain and bloating and diarrhea (uh sorry) for years and all of my doctors have always told me it‘s anxiety or depression (I have both.) I have found a doctor who took me seriously. And found a diagnosis. It‘s basically a resistant germ in my bowels that I have gotten somewhere years ago. So, basically, bottom line is: yes your mental health can affect your stomach, and it was worse whenever I felt more anxious than usual, but if you believe that there is more to your body than mental health, keep looking for the right doctor.
I had to comment on this! I had stomach pain for years and years with severe acid reflux, and Drs kept saying "I'm sure its nothing serious, you're too young for stomach ulcers" etc. I finally got a endoscopy and they found lots of stomach ulcers, a hiatus hernia and polyps all in my stomach as well as my esophagus being slightly eroded! Still for other things I am completely poo pooed (always because I'm relatively young or have anxiety so "its probably anxiety!") Really worries me how long people have to suffer before they get answers, and its such a worry if its life threatening. Glad everyone on this thread got their help and got through! I agree just keep pushing with Drs as much as you can - we all deserve the right to be healthy! Also Hannah if you're reading this, you are so brave, and so inspiring. I really hope you feel much better asap, and can live a healthy happy life now
as a doctor reading the comments above, and while doing so becoming more and more frustrated with the misconceptions about how medicine really works, thank you, you are exactly right. ..young people with uncommon diseases in terms of their age are at an empirical disadvantage and that is neither their own fault nor the one of the doctors; I wish you all good health
lucien sand I've studied biomedical sciences, I know how medicine works. But I've also seen first hand how much more doctors have believed me when I use scientific words rather than when I describe 'a tingly feeling in my hand' and 'blurry vision'. Once I walk in saying that I show neurological symptoms, like aphasia, consistent with transient ischemic attacks or migraines with aura, but considering my lifestyle and risk factors it's probably migraines... suddenly they listen more and respect me. I also see it with my mother who knows zero science. She does not know what is and isn't relevant info, so when she describes symptoms she talks most about what is painful, while forgetting smaller more characteristic symptoms because they don't bother her as much as the pain. She also doesn't know to advocate for herself, and so I frequently ask her for her symptoms and dig for details, find all potential diagnoses considering her lifestyle and comorbidities and send her back to the doctor with that list and the explanations of the symptoms that made me think of those diagnoses. Yes, I'm a pain in the butt, but I have correctly diagnosed myself with: rhumatoid arthritis, migraines with auras (hopefully, eh, cause neither TIAs nor auras are visible on an MRI after the fact), a fibrous epulis (giant tumour growing out of my gums), an infected cyst behind my ear (doctor sent me to the hospital as an emergency because she did not believe me when I told her there was pus in there). I know how to speak 'medical' and that's my best advice to all patients. Expose symptoms calmly. If you suspect a diagnosis, mention which symptoms fit and why you don't think it's something else. Take into account risk factors (if you're 16, healthy and never smoked, your cough is probably not lung cancer). If they don't believe you, ask the doctor to explain clearly why, what else they think it is, and which symptoms are 'missing' for a full diagnosis (maybe you have them but didn't think it was linked). If they dismiss you, ask for an exact time when to return if symptoms persist. If they keep dismissing you, ask for a second opinion.
Welcome back Hannah!! I'm so glad you're recovering! Also, just in case you need it now, there're therapists that can have sessions over skype with you, if you cannot leave/go far away from your house. I just hope you continue to get the help you need. Best wishes!
Being in the hospital a lot several years ago I know somewhat of how you feel. When your in pain and you have to wait hours to be seen then explain several times how you feel and then they say sorry can't find anything come back if it get worse. It's a living nightmare. Thanks for posting.
THANK YOU FOR SPEAKING ABOUT THIS SO AMAZINGLY!! I am a girl who also has gastro intestinal issues (which has taken away a lot of my time!). As a woman it's so hard to talk about since it's a "gross" issue and not a pretty illness. I am currently waiting for a biopsy to see if I have hirschprungs disease and I may need surgery on my lower intestine! This video makes me feel less alone. Thank you x
Hi Hannah, I had Ulcerative Colitis for a couple years and a stoma for 3ish years and my story is very similar. I found it really hard as there was no one young or that I could relate to when coming to terms with everything. I really appreciate you putting your story out there and if I could have seen this video it would have been amazing and helpful. You probably won’t even read this but if you want to message me or skype or something and I can give you some tips on stoma life and mental health? Or maybe it would be nice to just talk to someone who truly understands. Just want to let you know I’m here as someone to talk to. Best wishes, Rachel xx
I’m 13 and I got a Stoma when I was 9! It was really scary but it’s amazing that you talk about this so openly it also had a lot of surgery and that’s also extremely hard! Thank you so much for being so positive about everything! It’s so helpful for young people like me! X
As someone who has spent years and years of her life in hospital, I ABSOLUTELY HATE when you want to do something/take action, and doctors go "nah, we're gonna wait it out" ESPECIALLY when it's close to a weekend, during which you can't get help from them and if it gets worse you literally HAVE to go to A&E and deal with all that pain, because of course it flares up on the weekend. In the mean time you have to watch it get worse, know exactly what it is, feel like you've not been believed (as you so rightly said), and it's such bs. And then you also have to rely on overworked, underpaid A&E doctors and hope they aren't doing the end of a ridiculous 48hr shift and are able to catch things when they happen (full FULL respect to A&E doctors and on call docs and nurses who are, like I said, underpaid and overworked, do not want to give the impression I blame them for anything as they are the unsung heroes, esp when specialists don't freaking do anything). So glad you are on the mend, love!
So glad your back! Almost exactly a year ago I was admitted into hospital and diagnosed with type 1 diabetes whilst in Berlin for a college trip and it was the worst experience of my life. I was pretty much on my own in a forieng country for a week and it was awful and so isolating. What you said about being in the hospital room is exactly how I felt and thinking about traveling or hospitals now makes me so anxious. But with life changing and chronic illnesses it gets so much easier over time! I hope you have a speedy recovery 💕
currently watching this while in the hospital after a stoma surgery, on my 2nd week, during covid. I’m not allowed visitors but my mom recommended your videos. They’re helping a lot 💜 Thank you for everything
So glad to see you’re uploading again. If there’s anyone that can use this nasty situation to educate and inform, it’s you. Wishing you a speedy recovery 💋
You poor thing. You are such an inspiration with how you are dealing with all of this. I wish you all the best with recovery and the future. I have a lot of medical illnesses etc with hospital trips and operations etc and know how chronic illness can suck. You are brilliant how you deal with this. You have given me hope that people can get through illness xxx ❤
What a journey! Thanks for the brutally frank description of what you went through, We've learned that patients have to be advocates for themselves. Sorry for what you had to go through. Glad the old Hannah is on her way back.
I have my own issues which make me feel very sad and depressed but watching your content makes me feel like I can take control of my own situation and come out the other side a stronger person. Thank you so much for posting and being an inspiration to people everywhere.
Got a flashback, i have been were you are. So glad you are doing better, life is going to be so much better without the infected colon. Welcome to the ostomate community 😊
If your bras aren't fitting (which as you've lost weight they probably aren't) I'd recommend Bossom Buddies sports bras. They can custom make the bras which are soft and also stretchy, so if you add an inch or so to your measurements they will carry on being comfortable and supportive as you gain the weight back. They also don't have any wires so no digging in.
I am a PT and I am currently working on the GI/Pancreatobiliary ward in a large hospital. It's enlightening to hear the full story of what someone has experienced before and after surgery and how you are adapting to life with a stoma. Thank you for your openness and willingness to share your journey!
Hannah! Been thinking of you lots and lots and lots. Definitely had the rice dream as well. Even begged to have one grain in exchange for not pressing the call button for a day. You definitely handled the NG tube a lot more maturely than I did. Jasmine Stacey does the most beautiful lingerie for people with Stoma bags, and you have to meet Jasmine herself - she is the loveliest person! So glad you are on the mend and therapy is a great idea. Take it from the person who rushed back to uni, to only have PTSD a year later. Also, I asked for the picture of my bowels beforehand, and they aren't that cool so you didn't miss out haha! So glad you are home! Sending you all my love xxxxx
I'm halfway through this video and had to write. My wife had bowel issues her whole life, colon removed 2 months after we married, ileostomy 8 years later when my son was 2, and you should be proud of how strong you are to discuss this with countless people. My wife is also strong and willing to talk about it but it is difficult to learn how to live with something so different and new. I am eager to share your story with her. Glad your health is better and will improve from here on.
I do wonder why hospitals are so EXTREMELY skeptical about admitting people in the first place, especially when a person’s had to show up 2-3 times already? Regardless, I’m so glad you’re getting better bit by bit, and I’m inspired by how well you seem to be handling this new aspect of your life. I can’t wait to see more from you again! Take your time getting back into the swing of things, though. Your health is MOST important!:)
I'm not saying it's a good thing necessarily, because of course it's not nice to go back and go back and go back. But that's the price of free healthcare because they can't spend the money unless they're sure that the operation/treatment will be the right thing to do
Lots of reasons! If you're a patient in hospital you're at risk of contracting a hospital acquired infection (these can be more severe than those acquired in the community), you're more likely to be sedentary in hospital so at higher risk of blood clots, and just generally being away from your normal home environment can slow recovery sometimes! So doctors don't want to admit you unless it's really really necessary. There's also issues with the lack of beds and things like that, but this comes secondary to the fact that it's genuinely just not ideal for someone to be in hospital unless absolutely necessary :)
This is totally crazy but a good friend of mine has the same symptoms at the same time like you. Right know he is recovering and they talk about the same surgery that you had. He looses about 20 kilograms in this 4 weeks at the hospital. He also needed about 3 liter of blood because he losses a lot of blood every time he goes to the toilet and that was about 20-25 times a day. I could not imagine what you guy are going thru and i am so sorry for both of you. I wish you all the best for the future.
You are a courageous person and an inspiration to those with this sort of health issue. I hope that one day you'll have the surgery that will give you a new lease on life.
seeing this remided me through my journey 17yrs ago, thank god i had a crazy surgeon that had the idea of connecting my small intestine to my bigger one and see if that would work, so i didnt have to get the stoma bag....thankfully that idea worked...im so grateful for that crazy surgeon that came into my life thinking it was cancer and that is why they decided to operate...but it resulted to a severe Chron's flare up plus peritonitis (appendix gone as well and gull bladder). Eating is tricky at first, but then you get the hang of it....My parents and siblings were sooo nice and patient coz i was not hearing it from no one...i was soo nasty and bitchy with everyone while on the pain....and I did want to see my colon with all the holes. But they threw it away. Thank you for this video and rapid recovery Witton :-)
So glad you are home. I was in hospital for 6 months and left with a life changing diagnosis and feeding tube. It’s really difficult to adjust, but life has been so much more comfortable and bearable (I’m no longer vomiting all day every day) since I have started my regime. It is difficult, but know there are always people who can understand. I made some videos about my condition which is super rare, to discuss my feelings and find some others who had my ultra rare condition. I am going to have to get a colostomy one day, and to see the strength you have shown throughout this makes me so much less scared... I hope you continue to recover, and find some solace in talking about your experiences - it has helped me so much. p.s. I love the poo emoji cushion! It is very frequently used in my house 💩💩💩💩💩💩💩💩💩💩💩💩💩💩💩💩💩😂
I am SO glad you're so open talking about every aspect of this. I had a flexible sigmoidoscopy last year with no sedative which was THE WORST so i totally feel you with that, and mine also showed nothing yet i was in a lot of pain. Im so sorry youre going through all of this! Youre such a trooper!
You can tell you’ve lost weight ☹️ what a life changing journey you’ve been on. take it easy and don’t push yourself too hard. Eat lots of cake and crisps! Have a speedy recovery xx
Dear Hannah, I've recently found your videos. You are amazing. Your openness, your honesty. This must be so hard for you and yet you still have your chin up, you still have your humor and your personality. Just amazing.
I had my colon out over a year ago and now I have a Jpouch. I started making videos on it to spread awareness! It's so nice to see other people being open about it! CHANGE THE STIGMA OF THE STOMA!
I literally got diagnosed with UC 2 weeks ago and seeing you deal with surgery so well has made it all a lot less scary. I hope that if I ever have to have surgery I’ll deal with it even half as well as you have. There’s no pressure to make videos so just do as much or as little as you feel you can 💗💗
Welcome to the ostomate community. I'm sorry you've have to go through this. I've had my Blob for 10 months now and although it took me a while to adjust, I don't regret it. I recommend you talk to someone about it if you feel you need to. I had a therapist for a couple of months and she was really helpful and it's helped me come to terms with what's happened to me. I wish you a speedy recovery. 💜
Hannah 💛 I'm so happy you're back, I've followed your hospital episodes so closely, I actually dreamt about it! I hope you're gonna get your strength back fast 💛
You are an incredibly brave and courageous young woman. I had a hemi-gastroectomy at age 25 in 1971 and spend a month in the hospital. I hope you continue to get well and have a wonderful life; I wish you every good thing life has
You are a warrior! Waterfall of blood descrip almost made me faint yet you lived through all of that to tell the tale - fuck yeah. I hope you are back to being pain-free, having full mobility & strength, & finding your emotional balance again soon - but don't rush, the world can wait. Recover in your own time. xx
Oh my god this sounds horrific but bloody hell hannah, you are so strong and a fricking champion for getting through this and talking about it. I had very little knowledge of the disease but I can already tell the amazing impact your story is having on other people who have gone through the same. Sounds like you have a great support network and I hope you have a speedy recovery. X
Welcome home Hannah. I am so sorry to hear of all the troubles you have had recently. It was great to hear that you had such a good support team (boyfriend, family, medical staff, etc.). They are truly special and crucial, especially in times like these. I would not be where I am today, after my 2010 stroke, without the love and support of my mother. Please know that we love you and will be here if you need anything. I know that sounds weird coming from Ohio, in the US, but I still mean it. Please accept a, careful and gentle, internet-hug.
Hello this is your friend from Michigan USA I am so ecstatic that you're doing so well I drive 18-wheeler I had to pull over I was crying so hard that you're doing so well way to go girl hang in there
I am very sorry for what you are going through. As someone who suffers from health problems (Fibromyalgia), I can tell you life isn't over. The key is to learn to live with what you have. I know you can do it!
I just spent 4 in the hospital also. I completely understand what you mean about the exhaustion and physical weakness. I’d go for one small walk a day at max and just sleep the rest. Also, my heart aches for you being in a single room. I was very lucky to be in an open ward, though there was a girl I was with who had her own room before joining the main ward, and I know she had a miserable time. I absolutely admire your attitude. So glad I found your channel!
Oh Hannah! Thank you for sharing so much. My mum and I had a similar moment of tears after I was diagnosed with thyroid cancer. It was definitely a mixture of relief (that we finally knew what the lump in my neck was), disbelief/shock (that at 23 I had cancer) and uncertainty about what would come next. I’m better now and my friend who had the same surgery as you for UC is doing amazingly a few years after his ordeal and I’m sure you will too.
I spent around 2 months in hospital last year for my UC, had a J-pouch made and in between 2 of the surgeries I had the bowel twist as it was healing so it would keep becoming obstructed. I spent 4 weeks hooked up to a fentanyl pump (could press it every 5 minutes) and getting 4 hourly paracetamol IVs each day. I was lucky I had a friend work in there so he'd visit a couple times a day, and the staff were all wonderful so it was a pleasant experience all things considered. The worst bit was I had to have my output measured and I'd feel bad for the nurses having to deal with that. Philip Potato was absolutely fantastic and I'll never forget him or the sisters on Crownhill ward for being so kind and really helping me when I was in such a bad way.
Hi Hannah, so good to see you back on youtube and being so authentic. You are one brave, and talented young woman. Here's to seeing you with 1 million subscribers :-)
I can't imagine how you must feel when you have a flare up and your periods at the same time. I don't mean to make this about me but (...makes it about herself, sorry) I'm currently in my 3rd year of medschool, and hearing experiences like yours just motivate me so much more to finish medschool and to do my very best to try and bring some relief to as much people as I can. Thank you for sharing :)
I'm speechless. I was completely mesmerized throughout the whole video. I thought I was having a crappy day but listening to you, my mood and attitude changed. Talking about the things you normally talk about isn't easy but this time I think it was harder for you, which makes it so much more impressive and motivational. You have the opportunity to start conversations about topics that need attention and I admire how you use it. The way you talked about the psychological trauma of such an experience really got me. I wish you a fast recovery and can't wait for what you do next! You are a superhero!
So so happy you're back!!! Please don't feel pressured to get back into a video routine too soon - its so important you look after yourself and recover! Been following your story progress for a while now. sending positive thoughts xxx
Hannah, I want to say- I am a registered nurse and like you am also 25. This story was heart breaking, painful, interesting & inspiring. I work in post-surgical rehabilitation and have been increasingly working with patients recovering from colorectal surgeries. I often feel a twinge of pity for anyone with a stoma bag. It must effect your self esteem tremendously, as well as completely flip everything you’ve ever known about toileting, hygiene etc. I strongly feel for you having gone through this at such a young age. I can certainly say that I would not be handling such a dramatic change to my body with such optimism, resolve & intelligence. Your attitude in general is always very inspiring, but particularly in this case it is something I truly wish I can learn from and adopt when dealing with hardships in my own life. Wishing you all the best ❤️
Hey. I don't know how often you check old videos for comments. But you've no idea how comforting it is to have someone on RUclips, who I can relate to. I have UC, and my symptoms are pretty much constant, fatigue tummy trouble and cramps, not being able to eat certain things.. I'm not so good at the moment. Your videos on your experience help. So thankyou for being brave enough to share. X
You are so strong. I’ve had Crohn’s for 6 years now, and I can’t even think of the strength you have to get through all of this happening in a months time. Thank you for telling your story and bringing visibility to IBD💜💜
I worked at a pediatric hospital, I am a nutricionist and I saw kids dealing with the same things. You are so brave. I send you a big hug. it is so cool that you made this video. You are awesome and in no time you will be as good as new.
This may sound bizarre, but one of my favourite ASMR videos is called Roleplay Customer Service Ostoy by Sweetseductiveasmr - she has a stoma and goes through different supplies and tips/tricks for living with one. I imagine you've been given tons of info from nurses but in case you wanted some from someone with personal experience, I would recommend her video!
Great vid Hannah. Went through the same thing in 2013. Diagnosed in November 2013 and by January 2014 I had my colon removed. Had the bag for 2 years and had the reversal in November 2015. I am now in great health and getting married. Keep the chin up, you'll get through it all.
Thank you so, so, so much for talking so openly about hospitalization and serious medical things. As a 26-year-old who thankfully has been pretty healthy so far, I've only encountered hospitals for my grandparents and other people a little bit removed... but we all inevitably wind up there for ourselves and those closest to us. Talking about hospital helps prepare us, and it's especially helpful coming from someone we can identify with in terms of age and the like. Thank you!
I obviously wish this didn't have to happen to you, but I'm extremely grateful for this video. It feels very meaningful and I know you are just coming to terms with this new change but I find you very inspiring and honestly I'm so ready for recovery videos! I wish more people would talk openly about their bodies and health issues (both physical and mental) because it's something everyone will have to deal with at some point in their lives. This is such a pivotal life experience and it's just empowering to hear you talk about it. My aunt recently got a stoma and I barely knew what it was before and thought it sounded really scary but now it's just so normal and not a big deal at all! It means so so much that people talk about this is what I'm trying to say I guess. Also, you're doing amazing and things will only get better now!
I’m an American medical student and hearing your story is so inspiring, Hannah. Thank you so much for sharing. Hearing such honesty about your inpatient stay and how hard the road to recovery really is is the truth that is important for health care workers to hear. You are amazing ❤️ I’ve followed you for a long time and I’m proud of you for your resilience and all the healing you have done so far and your ability to stay a happy person throughout such a horrendous experience. Keep making amazing content like this and keep inspiring me 😊 Love, A future MD and long time Hannah Witton fan
Oh Hannah, I’m so glad you’re on the road to recovery. We talk A LOT about poo in my family, my mum’s had a stoma for a colostomy since 2014 after having her rectum and lower bowel removed because of cancer (many laughs about her being a pain in the arse etc etc!) and my brother had a stoma for a temporary ileostomy after having a section of intestine removed a couple of years ago due to chrons. It’s amazing just how many people have stomas! Love you for talking about this and helping rid the taboo around poo 💩
Hannah, agh, thank you for inspiring me in so many ways. Welcome back, and thanks for being so open with this stuff. As a fellow UC person, I've always been terrified of losing my colon and seeing you handle this has really helped me with that. Of course, I'm still committed to treating my disease as best I can, but thank you for taking some of the fear and mystery out of this.
Thanks for doing what it takes to get better. Infinite hugs. - Hank
Also, it sure is nice to never be confused about where my cramps may be coming from :-)
vlogbrothers just fyi: an epididymis infection can feel like cramps in your stomach. (Though you would probably be confused the other way around)
As someone who has crohn's and had my colon removed a year and a half ago, it's really great to see someone talk about it. If you need any advice about keeping up with your ostomy, don't hesitate to let me know! You'll be a pro in no time, but it does have a bit of bumps until you get there.
BIGGEST TIP: USE WATERPROOF BED LINERS. it saved my mattress many times while getting used to the bag.
Seriously though, email me or something
Hope you're well Hank! I remember talking to you a few years back about starting 6MP. Hopefully your body is behaving and you don't need to consider surgery for a long time :) If you've got any questions about things feel free to shout out, happy to talk about all the poos.
Yes those waterproof bed pads are amazing! It's also super good to have a whole spare set of bed sheets/blankets so when things happen in the middle of the night you can just put fresh bedding on and deal with the other mess after some extra sleep.
Finding the right bag can be a big pain in the butt (the stomach butt), especially right after surgery because you're so swollen and things keep moving around. Leaks are bound to happen, and explosive things.
Thinking about all this makes me realise how glad I am that I was able to get my jpouch, even if it's not perfect it's so nice not to have to deal with the stoma side of things (Mine was very temperamental and did not want to cooperate, had so many revisions.) .
Hope your remaining bowels are behaving and that you are well Kat :)
Having a stoma is soooo much better than having an inflamed colon. I found out that when you have a stoma you are technically handicaped, but i would say you are a lot more handicaped with an inflamed UC. I never let anyone change my stoma (the nurses seemed shocked they where not allowed to change me the first time :P), just a few weeks after i got my stoma i went to Greece and wore a bikini on the beach, i have been backpacking on my own with half of my backpack filled with ostomy bags, and i moved to a different country. Before my surgery i was affraid i would have to go on wellfare, i would have up to 3 months of sick leave from school. Now, thanks to my ostomy and my diet, i work 9 hours each day, travel two hours every day for work and feel mostly great :)
Hannah you are a champion!
She is a hero! I wouldn't have known how to deal with those things! she will rock this Stoma and be more beautiful than ever!!
Trauma is trauma, even if it is medical trauma. Seeing a therapist to help sort out what happened will be good thing. Here's hoping your recovery goes quickly and well!
its not trauma when you werent conscious when it happened!
@@bishplis7226 Experiencing PTSD from health and medical issues is common. There's more to surgery than just being unconscious?!
So proud of you. You're going to empower and inspire so many younger people who have a stoma fitted. You're gonna power through, just as you always do. What a lady.
My doctor didnt believe I was having so much pain three years after c section and thought I just wanted pills. After physical therapy and pain management he finally just did laparoscopy. I had scar tissue from my incision connected all the way to my liver. My uterus was healed against my belly button.
It's been just over a year since surgery and i'm finally pain free.
Doctors need to listen to their patients!
Especially to women who report pain.
Wow....just wow I am so sorry
Welcome back! Your own personal #SuperBowelSunday!
i'm applauding for you
Eileen Stevenson this is gold
Eileen Stevenson this should be a thing!
"Do you feel empowered as a nurse?" Oh Hannah. I love you.
I love how you still talk about equality while in ICU
very on brand for Hannah!
I had a stoma for 4 years following a horrific Crohn's flare up, bowel obstruction and abscess in 2012. Post op recovery took about 6 months, BUT IT WAS SOOO WORTH IT. I had never felt as alive as I did during those 4 years. My stoma gave me the opportunity to persevere with my Bachelors degree and I graduated with a 2:1 in 2015. I was fortunate that my stoma was a loop ileostomy and therefore reversible. I had reversal surgery in 2016 and decided to go vegan. My vegan diet and kept me healthy for the past 2 years and there have been no signs of a further Crohn's flare. My abdomen is full of scars, but they are my battle scars and I LOVE THEM! So let's raise a toast together to a happy and healthy, flare free future. Having a stoma is something to be proud of and I have so much respect for you raising awareness and sharing your story, Hannah. SO MUCH LOVE!!!
i just had to comment, wow! that's amazing. hope everything is going well after you posted this 2 years ago
Hi, YES! Still vegan, still thriving! Thanks for checking in. Hope you're well! ☺️
Three years later I'm still mad about how long it took her to get admitted.
four years later im still mad
Steaming mad for five years now!🤬
I would highly recommend getting yourself into therapy once you are strong enough to leave the house. I have multiple diagnoses of PTSD and a main marker of that is a messed up timeline. Like, when you try to recount a linear progression of events, you just cant. Its good that youre doing it here. I'm so sorry you had to go through. I'm so happy youre on the up and up. I hope you enjoy eating lots of pasta and fish and chips and all of the wonderful happy foods. Bread and butter would be a nice treat. Rest up. You're so strong
So happy you’re on the mend and you’re ready to own your changed body and I’m really curious to learn about all the fantastic and bizarre things bodies can do.
Wow your accent changed!! You sound different. Glad you are back!!
she sounds so different, very interesting!
as a nursing student, this helped me so much to understand the disease and how hard it is on the patient from a clinical point of view and a mental, and emotional point of view. thank you so much for sharing even the grim details. you're a rockstar for going through all of that.
Its so frustrating when they see ‘nothing’. Often my tests return with no sign of anything but I’m so ill. It took me three times to go back to hospital last time before they admitted me and would give me anything.
Hope you’re getting better, IBD is no joke.
I have IBS and I have to keep a poo diary too. But I call it my "log book"
I have to admit I appreciate the pun.
That is absolutely amazing
Same hear but i got cured recently
other youtubers: I DIED!!! OUT OF BODY EXPERIENCE!!! MY PLANE CRASHED!!! (turns out there was a tiny turbulance)
Hannah: 4 weeks at hospital. look at the poop emoji yay! another tube woohoo! (turns out they removed a part of one of her organs+ another whole organ.Dangerous surgery, lots of body fluids coming out from the places they shouldn't...)
I had a stoma for 12 weeks (bowl cancer operation) and my doctor said I had to have 100g of potato chips a day (for the salt). Always look for the silver lining :).
I am shocked how long it took them to admit into the hospital! Sending you lots of love
SO much admiration for you lady xxx
Your voice sounds different as well. Get better soon.
Atiba Quildan Her throat/vocal cords are probably still healing from all the tubes being put down into her stomach. Also not using your voice much for weeks will also require your body to rebuild those muscles
Yeah true.
That, despite being horrific for you and graphic in places, was still entertaining enough to see you’re back in relatively good spirits. That family unit is so useful and I would advise definitely getting help with the potential PTSD as soon as you feel up to it.
There's no pressure to make videos Hannah take your time with recovery 💙
My mom found out after getting a stoma that her tennis-buddy had had one for years, and she never even knew!
Lots of people shared their stories with her after her surgery. Turns out that many people lead perfectly normal lives with a stoma.
Swimming is also no problem - we got her a few classy one-piece swimsuits and she's been rocking them at the beach and pool. :)
It can take a while to adjust to that new 'body part', though. Humor helps. We usually find her 'front-facing' farts pretty hilarious.
Thanks for sharing so openly and best wishes for your recovery.
Girl, this video makes me want to cry. I have Crohn's disease and know EXACTLY what you've been through. You are SO strong for even being able to make this video. I barely get out of bed anymore, and there's no way I would be able to put makeup on and make a video. MAJOR props to you, seriously. I'm so sorry that they did a colonoscopy without sedative; they don't do that here in the United States. I have been getting the Infliximab for the last 8 years every couple of weeks and I'm currently going through a horrendous reaction to it. Yes, even though I've been on it for 8 years now. You're so strong and I just had to let you know how amazing you are. I'm so thankful you made this video and talk about these types of things because not many people do, especially here on RUclips. Being able to relate to someone like this is incredible, YOU are incredible.
I missed you so so much Hannah xxx
I'm so annoyed with the doctors who didn't believe you and told you you were fine. Doctors who don't believe patients are infuriating, and it seems to happen to female patients more often.
MichiruEll my mum nearly died when she was her baby, part of her intestines had rotted and doctors didn’t believe anything was wrong because my grandma was a young mum so they thought she was just being stupid
I‘ve had constant pain and bloating and diarrhea (uh sorry) for years and all of my doctors have always told me it‘s anxiety or depression (I have both.)
I have found a doctor who took me seriously. And found a diagnosis. It‘s basically a resistant germ in my bowels that I have gotten somewhere years ago. So, basically, bottom line is: yes your mental health can affect your stomach, and it was worse whenever I felt more anxious than usual, but if you believe that there is more to your body than mental health, keep looking for the right doctor.
I had to comment on this! I had stomach pain for years and years with severe acid reflux, and Drs kept saying "I'm sure its nothing serious, you're too young for stomach ulcers" etc. I finally got a endoscopy and they found lots of stomach ulcers, a hiatus hernia and polyps all in my stomach as well as my esophagus being slightly eroded! Still for other things I am completely poo pooed (always because I'm relatively young or have anxiety so "its probably anxiety!") Really worries me how long people have to suffer before they get answers, and its such a worry if its life threatening.
Glad everyone on this thread got their help and got through! I agree just keep pushing with Drs as much as you can - we all deserve the right to be healthy!
Also Hannah if you're reading this, you are so brave, and so inspiring. I really hope you feel much better asap, and can live a healthy happy life now
as a doctor reading the comments above, and while doing so becoming more and more frustrated with the misconceptions about how medicine really works, thank you, you are exactly right.
..young people with uncommon diseases in terms of their age are at an empirical disadvantage and that is neither their own fault nor the one of the doctors;
I wish you all good health
lucien sand I've studied biomedical sciences, I know how medicine works. But I've also seen first hand how much more doctors have believed me when I use scientific words rather than when I describe 'a tingly feeling in my hand' and 'blurry vision'. Once I walk in saying that I show neurological symptoms, like aphasia, consistent with transient ischemic attacks or migraines with aura, but considering my lifestyle and risk factors it's probably migraines... suddenly they listen more and respect me.
I also see it with my mother who knows zero science. She does not know what is and isn't relevant info, so when she describes symptoms she talks most about what is painful, while forgetting smaller more characteristic symptoms because they don't bother her as much as the pain. She also doesn't know to advocate for herself, and so I frequently ask her for her symptoms and dig for details, find all potential diagnoses considering her lifestyle and comorbidities and send her back to the doctor with that list and the explanations of the symptoms that made me think of those diagnoses.
Yes, I'm a pain in the butt, but I have correctly diagnosed myself with: rhumatoid arthritis, migraines with auras (hopefully, eh, cause neither TIAs nor auras are visible on an MRI after the fact), a fibrous epulis (giant tumour growing out of my gums), an infected cyst behind my ear (doctor sent me to the hospital as an emergency because she did not believe me when I told her there was pus in there).
I know how to speak 'medical' and that's my best advice to all patients. Expose symptoms calmly. If you suspect a diagnosis, mention which symptoms fit and why you don't think it's something else. Take into account risk factors (if you're 16, healthy and never smoked, your cough is probably not lung cancer). If they don't believe you, ask the doctor to explain clearly why, what else they think it is, and which symptoms are 'missing' for a full diagnosis (maybe you have them but didn't think it was linked). If they dismiss you, ask for an exact time when to return if symptoms persist. If they keep dismissing you, ask for a second opinion.
Welcome back Hannah!! I'm so glad you're recovering!
Also, just in case you need it now, there're therapists that can have sessions over skype with you, if you cannot leave/go far away from your house. I just hope you continue to get the help you need.
Best wishes!
ojiverdeconfleco o,vacant t
Being in the hospital a lot several years ago I know somewhat of how you feel. When your in pain and you have to wait hours to be seen then explain several times how you feel and then they say sorry can't find anything come back if it get worse. It's a living nightmare. Thanks for posting.
THANK YOU FOR SPEAKING ABOUT THIS SO AMAZINGLY!! I am a girl who also has gastro intestinal issues (which has taken away a lot of my time!). As a woman it's so hard to talk about since it's a "gross" issue and not a pretty illness. I am currently waiting for a biopsy to see if I have hirschprungs disease and I may need surgery on my lower intestine! This video makes me feel less alone. Thank you x
So glad that, thanks to the NHS , you don't need a gofundme for £500,000+ to pay medical bills.
So glad to hear you’re recovering. Sending you love!! 💕
Hi Hannah, I had Ulcerative Colitis for a couple years and a stoma for 3ish years and my story is very similar. I found it really hard as there was no one young or that I could relate to when coming to terms with everything. I really appreciate you putting your story out there and if I could have seen this video it would have been amazing and helpful. You probably won’t even read this but if you want to message me or skype or something and I can give you some tips on stoma life and mental health? Or maybe it would be nice to just talk to someone who truly understands. Just want to let you know I’m here as someone to talk to.
Best wishes, Rachel xx
I had uc and now had a stoma fitted 7 weeks ago and it has given me a new life I feel so much better now
I’m 13 and I got a Stoma when I was 9! It was really scary but it’s amazing that you talk about this so openly it also had a lot of surgery and that’s also extremely hard! Thank you so much for being so positive about everything! It’s so helpful for young people like me! X
I'm actually crying listening to this! I'm so glad you are ok.
As someone who has spent years and years of her life in hospital, I ABSOLUTELY HATE when you want to do something/take action, and doctors go "nah, we're gonna wait it out" ESPECIALLY when it's close to a weekend, during which you can't get help from them and if it gets worse you literally HAVE to go to A&E and deal with all that pain, because of course it flares up on the weekend. In the mean time you have to watch it get worse, know exactly what it is, feel like you've not been believed (as you so rightly said), and it's such bs. And then you also have to rely on overworked, underpaid A&E doctors and hope they aren't doing the end of a ridiculous 48hr shift and are able to catch things when they happen (full FULL respect to A&E doctors and on call docs and nurses who are, like I said, underpaid and overworked, do not want to give the impression I blame them for anything as they are the unsung heroes, esp when specialists don't freaking do anything). So glad you are on the mend, love!
So glad your back! Almost exactly a year ago I was admitted into hospital and diagnosed with type 1 diabetes whilst in Berlin for a college trip and it was the worst experience of my life. I was pretty much on my own in a forieng country for a week and it was awful and so isolating. What you said about being in the hospital room is exactly how I felt and thinking about traveling or hospitals now makes me so anxious. But with life changing and chronic illnesses it gets so much easier over time! I hope you have a speedy recovery 💕
Manytrieslater I also have type 1 diabetes!
this sounds horrendous but honestly i am so grateful for the NHS and so PROUD of you ❤️❤️❤️ hope you gain ur strength back soon !
currently watching this while in the hospital after a stoma surgery, on my 2nd week, during covid. I’m not allowed visitors but my mom recommended your videos. They’re helping a lot 💜 Thank you for everything
So glad to see you’re uploading again. If there’s anyone that can use this nasty situation to educate and inform, it’s you. Wishing you a speedy recovery 💋
You poor thing. You are such an inspiration with how you are dealing with all of this. I wish you all the best with recovery and the future. I have a lot of medical illnesses etc with hospital trips and operations etc and know how chronic illness can suck. You are brilliant how you deal with this. You have given me hope that people can get through illness xxx ❤
What a journey! Thanks for the brutally frank description of what you went through, We've learned that patients have to be advocates for themselves. Sorry for what you had to go through. Glad the old Hannah is on her way back.
Your voice sounds so different ! I hope you’ll have a good recovery and get your strength back. I’m so glad you’re back !!
Hannah, best wishes for your recovery. It is good to see you here again! Lots of hugs 💛
I have my own issues which make me feel very sad and depressed but watching your content makes me feel like I can take control of my own situation and come out the other side a stronger person. Thank you so much for posting and being an inspiration to people everywhere.
Got a flashback, i have been were you are. So glad you are doing better, life is going to be so much better without the infected colon. Welcome to the ostomate community 😊
If your bras aren't fitting (which as you've lost weight they probably aren't) I'd recommend Bossom Buddies sports bras. They can custom make the bras which are soft and also stretchy, so if you add an inch or so to your measurements they will carry on being comfortable and supportive as you gain the weight back.
They also don't have any wires so no digging in.
+
You're amazing and I love you. Can't wait to see you in a few weeks. x
This is scarier than any horror movie honestly.
Scarier than killing stalking as well......😊
I am a PT and I am currently working on the GI/Pancreatobiliary ward in a large hospital. It's enlightening to hear the full story of what someone has experienced before and after surgery and how you are adapting to life with a stoma. Thank you for your openness and willingness to share your journey!
Hannah! Been thinking of you lots and lots and lots. Definitely had the rice dream as well. Even begged to have one grain in exchange for not pressing the call button for a day. You definitely handled the NG tube a lot more maturely than I did. Jasmine Stacey does the most beautiful lingerie for people with Stoma bags, and you have to meet Jasmine herself - she is the loveliest person! So glad you are on the mend and therapy is a great idea. Take it from the person who rushed back to uni, to only have PTSD a year later. Also, I asked for the picture of my bowels beforehand, and they aren't that cool so you didn't miss out haha! So glad you are home! Sending you all my love xxxxx
Michelle Elman Nice to see you here Michelle! :)
Although I have followed the story on Instagram and Twitter, I am so so so glad to see a video of you. Get well soon!
I, too, wrote 2018 for the first time on my admission consent. Power and light to you, Hannah
Hannah!!!! I'm glad you're well. And I know it's a lot of makeup and you putting a smile on but you do look fantastic inside and out
I'm halfway through this video and had to write. My wife had bowel issues her whole life, colon removed 2 months after we married, ileostomy 8 years later when my son was 2, and you should be proud of how strong you are to discuss this with countless people. My wife is also strong and willing to talk about it but it is difficult to learn how to live with something so different and new. I am eager to share your story with her. Glad your health is better and will improve from here on.
I do wonder why hospitals are so EXTREMELY skeptical about admitting people in the first place, especially when a person’s had to show up 2-3 times already? Regardless, I’m so glad you’re getting better bit by bit, and I’m inspired by how well you seem to be handling this new aspect of your life. I can’t wait to see more from you again! Take your time getting back into the swing of things, though. Your health is MOST important!:)
I'm not saying it's a good thing necessarily, because of course it's not nice to go back and go back and go back. But that's the price of free healthcare because they can't spend the money unless they're sure that the operation/treatment will be the right thing to do
I think they are wary of addmitting people because beds aren't always readily available
Alys-Cait but hospitals are just as hesitant in the U.S. to admit people and we're paying for it ourselves
Lots of reasons! If you're a patient in hospital you're at risk of contracting a hospital acquired infection (these can be more severe than those acquired in the community), you're more likely to be sedentary in hospital so at higher risk of blood clots, and just generally being away from your normal home environment can slow recovery sometimes! So doctors don't want to admit you unless it's really really necessary. There's also issues with the lack of beds and things like that, but this comes secondary to the fact that it's genuinely just not ideal for someone to be in hospital unless absolutely necessary :)
Probably lack of beds
You have no idea how delighted i am to see you back
This is totally crazy but a good friend of mine has the same symptoms at the same time like you.
Right know he is recovering and they talk about the same surgery that you had. He looses about 20 kilograms in this 4 weeks at the hospital.
He also needed about 3 liter of blood because he losses a lot of blood every time he goes to the toilet and that was about 20-25 times a day. I could not imagine what you guy are going thru and i am so sorry for both of you. I wish you all the best for the future.
You are a courageous person and an inspiration to those with this sort of health issue. I hope that one day you'll have the surgery that will give you a new lease on life.
seeing this remided me through my journey 17yrs ago, thank god i had a crazy surgeon that had the idea of connecting my small intestine to my bigger one and see if that would work, so i didnt have to get the stoma bag....thankfully that idea worked...im so grateful for that crazy surgeon that came into my life thinking it was cancer and that is why they decided to operate...but it resulted to a severe Chron's flare up plus peritonitis (appendix gone as well and gull bladder). Eating is tricky at first, but then you get the hang of it....My parents and siblings were sooo nice and patient coz i was not hearing it from no one...i was soo nasty and bitchy with everyone while on the pain....and I did want to see my colon with all the holes. But they threw it away. Thank you for this video and rapid recovery Witton :-)
So glad you are home. I was in hospital for 6 months and left with a life changing diagnosis and feeding tube. It’s really difficult to adjust, but life has been so much more comfortable and bearable (I’m no longer vomiting all day every day) since I have started my regime. It is difficult, but know there are always people who can understand. I made some videos about my condition which is super rare, to discuss my feelings and find some others who had my ultra rare condition. I am going to have to get a colostomy one day, and to see the strength you have shown throughout this makes me so much less scared... I hope you continue to recover, and find some solace in talking about your experiences - it has helped me so much. p.s. I love the poo emoji cushion! It is very frequently used in my house 💩💩💩💩💩💩💩💩💩💩💩💩💩💩💩💩💩😂
I am SO glad you're so open talking about every aspect of this. I had a flexible sigmoidoscopy last year with no sedative which was THE WORST so i totally feel you with that, and mine also showed nothing yet i was in a lot of pain. Im so sorry youre going through all of this! Youre such a trooper!
Also after watching the whole video i have a whole new level of respect for you. incredible girl! x
Naomi Victoria u
You can tell you’ve lost weight ☹️ what a life changing journey you’ve been on. take it easy and don’t push yourself too hard. Eat lots of cake and crisps! Have a speedy recovery xx
Dear Hannah,
I've recently found your videos.
You are amazing. Your openness, your honesty. This must be so hard for you and yet you still have your chin up, you still have your humor and your personality.
Just amazing.
I had my colon out over a year ago and now I have a Jpouch. I started making videos on it to spread awareness! It's so nice to see other people being open about it! CHANGE THE STIGMA OF THE STOMA!
I literally got diagnosed with UC 2 weeks ago and seeing you deal with surgery so well has made it all a lot less scary. I hope that if I ever have to have surgery I’ll deal with it even half as well as you have. There’s no pressure to make videos so just do as much or as little as you feel you can 💗💗
Welcome to the ostomate community. I'm sorry you've have to go through this. I've had my Blob for 10 months now and although it took me a while to adjust, I don't regret it.
I recommend you talk to someone about it if you feel you need to. I had a therapist for a couple of months and she was really helpful and it's helped me come to terms with what's happened to me. I wish you a speedy recovery. 💜
Hannah 💛 I'm so happy you're back, I've followed your hospital episodes so closely, I actually dreamt about it! I hope you're gonna get your strength back fast 💛
You are an incredibly brave and courageous young woman. I had a hemi-gastroectomy at age 25 in 1971 and spend a month in the hospital. I hope you continue to get well and have a wonderful life; I wish you every good thing life has
You are a warrior! Waterfall of blood descrip almost made me faint yet you lived through all of that to tell the tale - fuck yeah. I hope you are back to being pain-free, having full mobility & strength, & finding your emotional balance again soon - but don't rush, the world can wait. Recover in your own time. xx
Oh my god this sounds horrific but bloody hell hannah, you are so strong and a fricking champion for getting through this and talking about it. I had very little knowledge of the disease but I can already tell the amazing impact your story is having on other people who have gone through the same. Sounds like you have a great support network and I hope you have a speedy recovery. X
Welcome home Hannah. I am so sorry to hear of all the troubles you have had recently. It was great to hear that you had such a good support team (boyfriend, family, medical staff, etc.). They are truly special and crucial, especially in times like these. I would not be where I am today, after my 2010 stroke, without the love and support of my mother. Please know that we love you and will be here if you need anything. I know that sounds weird coming from Ohio, in the US, but I still mean it. Please accept a, careful and gentle, internet-hug.
Hello this is your friend from Michigan USA I am so ecstatic that you're doing so well I drive 18-wheeler I had to pull over I was crying so hard that you're doing so well way to go girl hang in there
Wimpy tigger this comment is so kind and I'm from Michigan too!
I am very sorry for what you are going through. As someone who suffers from health problems (Fibromyalgia), I can tell you life isn't over. The key is to learn to live with what you have. I know you can do it!
I just spent 4 in the hospital also. I completely understand what you mean about the exhaustion and physical weakness. I’d go for one small walk a day at max and just sleep the rest. Also, my heart aches for you being in a single room. I was very lucky to be in an open ward, though there was a girl I was with who had her own room before joining the main ward, and I know she had a miserable time.
I absolutely admire your attitude. So glad I found your channel!
Oh Hannah! Thank you for sharing so much. My mum and I had a similar moment of tears after I was diagnosed with thyroid cancer. It was definitely a mixture of relief (that we finally knew what the lump in my neck was), disbelief/shock (that at 23 I had cancer) and uncertainty about what would come next. I’m better now and my friend who had the same surgery as you for UC is doing amazingly a few years after his ordeal and I’m sure you will too.
The hard part is over, right?
You can only get stronger
❤️ you Hannah
I spent around 2 months in hospital last year for my UC, had a J-pouch made and in between 2 of the surgeries I had the bowel twist as it was healing so it would keep becoming obstructed. I spent 4 weeks hooked up to a fentanyl pump (could press it every 5 minutes) and getting 4 hourly paracetamol IVs each day. I was lucky I had a friend work in there so he'd visit a couple times a day, and the staff were all wonderful so it was a pleasant experience all things considered. The worst bit was I had to have my output measured and I'd feel bad for the nurses having to deal with that. Philip Potato was absolutely fantastic and I'll never forget him or the sisters on Crownhill ward for being so kind and really helping me when I was in such a bad way.
Hi Hannah, so good to see you back on youtube and being so authentic. You are one brave, and talented young woman. Here's to seeing you with 1 million subscribers :-)
I can't imagine how you must feel when you have a flare up and your periods at the same time. I don't mean to make this about me but (...makes it about herself, sorry) I'm currently in my 3rd year of medschool, and hearing experiences like yours just motivate me so much more to finish medschool and to do my very best to try and bring some relief to as much people as I can. Thank you for sharing :)
I'm speechless. I was completely mesmerized throughout the whole video. I thought I was having a crappy day but listening to you, my mood and attitude changed. Talking about the things you normally talk about isn't easy but this time I think it was harder for you, which makes it so much more impressive and motivational. You have the opportunity to start conversations about topics that need attention and I admire how you use it. The way you talked about the psychological trauma of such an experience really got me. I wish you a fast recovery and can't wait for what you do next! You are a superhero!
Hannah
So so happy you're back!!! Please don't feel pressured to get back into a video routine too soon - its so important you look after yourself and recover! Been following your story progress for a while now. sending positive thoughts xxx
Hannah, I want to say- I am a registered nurse and like you am also 25. This story was heart breaking, painful, interesting & inspiring.
I work in post-surgical rehabilitation and have been increasingly working with patients recovering from colorectal surgeries.
I often feel a twinge of pity for anyone with a stoma bag. It must effect your self esteem tremendously, as well as completely flip everything you’ve ever known about toileting, hygiene etc.
I strongly feel for you having gone through this at such a young age. I can certainly say that I would not be handling such a dramatic change to my body with such optimism, resolve & intelligence.
Your attitude in general is always very inspiring, but particularly in this case it is something I truly wish I can learn from and adopt when dealing with hardships in my own life.
Wishing you all the best ❤️
Hey. I don't know how often you check old videos for comments. But you've no idea how comforting it is to have someone on RUclips, who I can relate to. I have UC, and my symptoms are pretty much constant, fatigue tummy trouble and cramps, not being able to eat certain things.. I'm not so good at the moment. Your videos on your experience help. So thankyou for being brave enough to share. X
You are so strong. I’ve had Crohn’s for 6 years now, and I can’t even think of the strength you have to get through all of this happening in a months time. Thank you for telling your story and bringing visibility to IBD💜💜
My condolences, Hannah :( It is so amazing that you're laughing and smiling now though. Daamnnn you're strong girl!! xx
I'm in min 9 and I really want to hug you
Aww, honey, that sounds hard. I'm sorry that happened to you.
I worked at a pediatric hospital, I am a nutricionist and I saw kids dealing with the same things. You are so brave. I send you a big hug. it is so cool that you made this video. You are awesome and in no time you will be as good as new.
My older sister went through the same surgery. We send our love and hope for a speedy recovery
This may sound bizarre, but one of my favourite ASMR videos is called Roleplay Customer Service Ostoy by Sweetseductiveasmr - she has a stoma and goes through different supplies and tips/tricks for living with one. I imagine you've been given tons of info from nurses but in case you wanted some from someone with personal experience, I would recommend her video!
Welcome back!! RUclips was a little less brighter while you were gone!
Great vid Hannah. Went through the same thing in 2013. Diagnosed in November 2013 and by January 2014 I had my colon removed. Had the bag for 2 years and had the reversal in November 2015. I am now in great health and getting married. Keep the chin up, you'll get through it all.
Thank you so, so, so much for talking so openly about hospitalization and serious medical things. As a 26-year-old who thankfully has been pretty healthy so far, I've only encountered hospitals for my grandparents and other people a little bit removed... but we all inevitably wind up there for ourselves and those closest to us. Talking about hospital helps prepare us, and it's especially helpful coming from someone we can identify with in terms of age and the like. Thank you!
Aww babe, you're such a beautiful person. I'm so happy that you're out of there and can be at home. I hope your recovery continues to go really well.
All the best with your recovery Hannah, take all the time you need xx
I obviously wish this didn't have to happen to you, but I'm extremely grateful for this video. It feels very meaningful and I know you are just coming to terms with this new change but I find you very inspiring and honestly I'm so ready for recovery videos! I wish more people would talk openly about their bodies and health issues (both physical and mental) because it's something everyone will have to deal with at some point in their lives. This is such a pivotal life experience and it's just empowering to hear you talk about it. My aunt recently got a stoma and I barely knew what it was before and thought it sounded really scary but now it's just so normal and not a big deal at all! It means so so much that people talk about this is what I'm trying to say I guess. Also, you're doing amazing and things will only get better now!
I’m an American medical student and hearing your story is so inspiring, Hannah. Thank you so much for sharing. Hearing such honesty about your inpatient stay and how hard the road to recovery really is is the truth that is important for health care workers to hear.
You are amazing ❤️ I’ve followed you for a long time and I’m proud of you for your resilience and all the healing you have done so far and your ability to stay a happy person throughout such a horrendous experience.
Keep making amazing content like this and keep inspiring me 😊
Love,
A future MD and long time Hannah Witton fan
Oh Hannah, I’m so glad you’re on the road to recovery. We talk A LOT about poo in my family, my mum’s had a stoma for a colostomy since 2014 after having her rectum and lower bowel removed because of cancer (many laughs about her being a pain in the arse etc etc!) and my brother had a stoma for a temporary ileostomy after having a section of intestine removed a couple of years ago due to chrons. It’s amazing just how many people have stomas! Love you for talking about this and helping rid the taboo around poo 💩