Mental Health With a Stoma

Mental Health With a Stoma

Hi, Charlotte again! 

I really hope you enjoyed my last blog with the topic of telling people new people that you have a stoma…This next one links nicely on to the subject of mental health; everyone’s story is very different so I am sharing my experiences and how I dealt with my stoma surgery.

It’s fair to say I’m very much a ‘I’m fine’ person who just carries on until breaking point. This was especially true when I was struggling day in and day out with Crohn’s Disease flare ups. It would usually take me to the point of being admitted to hospital before I would say I needed help. This had a huge mental strain as I had created this barrier around me to not let people in or not want to let anyone know when I wasn’t okay.

Pre-surgery mental health 

In June 2021, I was told I needed surgery to remove my large bowel and have a stoma formed. I tried to be brave and carry on as I usually do, but this was going to be a huge step for me. It’s true to say I struggled more with my mental health during this period due to all the unknowns; I didn’t know how long I’d be off work, I didn’t know when I’d be able to do anything with my family or friends. It was hard. As well as all of this happening, my fantastic, beautiful Grannie passed away; making it all an incredibly emotional time. 

The following month in July 2021, the day before my 30th birthday I went in to hospital for my 9 hour surgery. I remember being so full of tears that day, at the point where I knew I needed this surgery so badly but not knowing what my life would hold post op. It was such a scary prospect. 

Mental health following surgery 

The first few weeks following my operation were of course challenging. Managing the pain from surgery and adapting to a new life with a bag. However I started to see the improvements to my quality of life fairly quickly. I could already see even a couple of weeks post op that my Crohn’s Disease Symptoms had eased without my inflamed and infected large bowel in my body. In turn this meant me dealing with my adjustment to life mentally with Wilson the Stoma; was actually really positive.

Of course I had down days, we all do. But there are a couple of things I’ve always tried to do since having my surgery: If I ever have a negative thought about my stoma or body since having the op – I then think of two good things that having my stoma has brought to my life. I find if I think hard enough there is always a positive to every situation I’ve been faced with.

Finally, please TALK to love ones, friends and family. A problem shared is a problem halved. 

Charlotte @char.crohnsftwilson