Sorry that it has been a few days since my last post. Unfortunately I ended up back in hospital again with a problem with my feed. Basically I have what is called bacteria overgrowth in the gut. This means that my bowel can’t absorb the feed properly and it causes huge output. I also needed to be hydrated as my kidney function was a bit low. After another scope I have been put on a course of antibiotics to remove the bacteria and then I will require further drugs to put the good bacteria back. It’s a physiology thing as opposed to mechanical and frustatingly it goes wrong quickly and takes a while to put right.

So day one back home was a typical example of the ups and downs of recovering from a bowel transplant. It was great to be home and for the first part of the day everything went fine. Then the output started again and the frustration crept back. I am on so much imodium I assumed that it would all work fairly quickly but that’s not the case. I am in pretty constant touch with the team so guess I need to give it a few more days and yes I know, stay positive!!

Last night it was just my eldest son and I at home whilst the others partied. He hadn’t seen in real time my stoma bag fill up and in some warped way was quite fascinated by watching the bag become a balloon as it filled up. Then again he is the same son who wants to see a scope being carried out on me. I guess it shows that it is good to share all the ups and downs with the kids as they take it all on board and don’t get phased by things. They are so strong, we are very lucky to have them..

So far today has been pretty good. Can’t stop feeling a bit yuk though as the stomach aches don’t seem to go away completely but then I guess until things settle it will be like this. Overall although frustrated I am feeling positive that things will be sorted out. The team are in constant touch which in turn is a constant comfort.

As days go on and I spend more time at home it becomes obvious how much the family have missed out on things due to my illness. Basically I have been forced to stop work for about 2 years now and although this bowel transplant will put our lives back to normal we still have to get to that position. Each day that goes past there is something that the family need or would like to do and I can’t provide it for them. They are brilliant, they don’t complain but let’s just say I am very aware of it.

So I started this blog in the afternoon and I am finishing it tonight. The stomach ache is still here, the frustrations have not gone away but I am one more day closer to recovery.

Till tomorrow x

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