Four years

Four years ago today I gained a new lease on life.

From 2012-2016 I was diagnosed and experienced the massive health roller coaster of Ulcerative Colitis. Four years ago today I had my last of three abdominal surgeries. The first of these surgeries in December 2014 resulted in my toxic and severely diseased colon being removed. It was necessary and life-saving. The second surgery, in February 2016 created my internal 'j-pouch' from some of my small intestines, and my third surgery on June 3, 2016 re-connected everything internally, bringing about some normalcy.

I've mentioned this in a previous post, but the thing that you realize when you go through so much is that it doesn't quite hit you in the moment. For me, at least, that was the way. But on these anniversaries, when I look back at pictures of myself and I reflect on my journey... it is these days that I let it sink in.

I danced with a very serious illness; danced with death. And for those four years it was a very tumultuous dance and I was rarely leading.

Since my last surgery, I've continued the dance, but am proud to say that I am always in the lead now. It may not always be the case, but my partner is not currently stepping on my toes. And that's the way I hope to carry on for many more years.