A recent conversation made me wince since the person told me that she cannot do something of great importance for her health due to COVID 19. Recognizing that although I may be right in pointing out how shortsighted that thinking truly is, being right wasn’t the important takeaway here. She needs to believe in her actions or lack of them, so her reality is the only one that counts. But I began to think of my medical journey and all of the roads I had to travel to get to my best health.
After my first bowel obstruction in January 1993, which perforated my colon and led me to be septic with peritonitis, pancreatitis, and gall bladder damage, I began a series of overwhelming obstructions. Resections, hernia repairs, organ removals, Emergency Room visits, dozens of abdominal surgeries, and agonizing and crippling pain became my way of life for over 20 years. And I went everywhere for answers, had the best medical personnel guiding me, and the support of Bruce and my family in every way possible. But until I had my ileostomy, I had not found the right answer. March 17, 2014, was truly the “first day of the rest of my life.” Has it been a straight road since that surgery? Not really, but it has been a much more predictable road than the others I traveled where I felt no control, no idea where I was going, and if I would actually survive. Many felt I would not survive, my small and fragile body too compromised from 23 surgeries. But as a Thriver, my goal is to be there for others who need some directions on their road to good health. I interface and support with new Ostomates almost daily, my name associated with the United Ostomy Associations of America, the American Cancer Society, Crohn’s and Colitis Foundation, Hollister and ConvaTec, as well as three Medical Centers in our area of New Jersey.
What, I ask myself, would I have done if COVID 19 was one of the roadblocks or detours I encountered during those years? I suppose I have to say that if my doctors felt I needed some intervention, and the odds were good that they could protect me, take precautions to keep me safe from the virus, I would do what needs to be done. Knowing myself, having something I can do to help myself, having a chance to fight, having a direction toward a goal is key for me. Perhaps that comes from trusting the medical community because they have proven themselves to be worthy of that trust, and knowing my own determination to live each and every day to its fullest. I don’t know the answer, and believe me, I am not cavalier, nor telling others what to do. The disease is as deadly as we all fear it is. But recognizing that it is our job to take the best care of ourselves as possible, to stay proactive and active, and to stay on the road to good health may cause us to make some choices that need to be made, is part of being an adult. Please keep this in mind if you need to decide to do something medically you have been putting on the back burner until COVID 19 is in the past. Let it be in our rear-view mirror, but let’s be here, healthy and safe, to celebrate that day!
When I think of Ellyn I think of the MOST adorable sweet intelligent caring little lady on earth. However I now have to add one of the STRONGEST most courageous little lady I have ever encountered. Please Ellyn never lose your attitude about life. I have been feeling very down lately missing my huge family but you made me see just how blessed I am and you propped me up, so thanks. Much ❤️ To all.