02/16/2026
It’s been weeks since surgery, and I’m still finding the language for what my body went through.
What was planned as one kind of operation became something far more complex once they were inside. An ostomy had been part of the original plan to give my intestines time to rest and heal, but it ultimately couldn’t be created safely. That meant my recovery would look different than we expected.
My abdomen was opened, dense scar tissue carefully separated, multiple fistulas repaired, and sections of bowel removed and reconnected. I’m healing from two internal reconnections and adjusting to structural changes in my digestion in real time.
Hospitalization was long and humbling. There were tubes, staples, IV nutrition, pain that stretched time thin, and me, having to advocate for myself everyday in ways I never imagined. There were also small victories like walking daily, the first sip of juice after 7+ days of no food/drink, and being discharged after 2 long weeks.
Recovery at home now looks like managing pain and fatigue, administering TPN through a PICC line at home each night, relearning how to eat slowly and safely, tracking every bite, every symptom, letting my body adapt on its own timeline…
I’m still unable to work as I focus on healing. Your support has already carried me to almost 70% of my goal. We’re working toward closing the remaining $10k so I can continue recovering without rushing back before my body is ready.
If you’ve been meaning to share or contribute, the link is in my bio. It truly makes a difference.
Healing hurts, but I’m here. And I am deeply grateful. 🫶🏼
