3 Weeks Post Op

We are officially 6 weeks after my initial ileostomy surgery and 3 weeks after the revision. My body is feeling almost back to normal and I’m very ready for the doctor to give me the go ahead to get back to exercising and normal daily activity! My days right now involve a lot of rest, but I’m up to walking 2 miles in the morning and then another mile around noon with Katy and Avery! I love walking with the sunrise and I’m looking forward to running with the sunrise soon. The only thing that I feel limited by now is the abscess wound that isn’t fully healed still.

I had an appointment with my GI doctor at the Cleveland Clinic which was very thorough. We went over my medication plan and what the next few months look like. We tentatively set an appointment in October for a colonoscopy. This colonoscopy will determine if my ostomy can be reversed! Many prayers for the next few months of healing! Speaking of medication, I had my 3rd Remicaid infusion today. It’s a 2 hour infusion for those that don’t know. I’m lucky and don’t have any notable side effects from my infusions and I don’t need Benadryl for it so I’m not drowsy after. I just get an excuse to watch some Netflix and relax! It’s hard for me to tell if the Remicaid is working, but that is what the colonoscopy will determine. I’m looking forward to October but enjoying the freedom of comfort that I’ve had these past few weeks.

And daily progress is very encouraging! I also finally found a pouching system that I’m confident in and comfortable with! This may not sound like a big deal, but when your new to an ostomy this is a big step. It helps me sleep more comfortably at night and not worry about it through the day. It fits better under clothing which makes going out in public (with a mask, of course) more comfortable. I’m excited to get my exercise belt and see how that feels during my walks. Everything is preparing for running and more strenuous exercise when I’m cleared to do it! Also, thank you to everyone that has donated to my Get Gutsy USA campaign for the Crohn’s and Colitis Foundation! We reached my goal in less than a day so I upped the goal! My personal goal, on top of the money being raised, is to run a 1/2 mile by August 22nd. If you’re looking to donate still it is linked to my Facebook and the direct link is http://online.crohnscolitisfoundation.org/goto/andrewsimms. My next weekly update we will go over my goals and get an update on the progress there!

With Love,

Andy