10 Ways I Coped With My Surgery for Crohn’s Disease

Today marks one year since a decade of disease was removed from my body thanks to the S-word (The dreaded S-word being surgery.) Since the day I was initially diagnosed, I hoped and prayed I would never need to go under the knife. But there was only so much IV medication I could take and only so much daily agony I could endure before that was my only choice.

When I was told I needed surgery, I started writing in a journal. Here’s my entry from the day I got the news:

July 20, 2015

The hospital room phone rings like a siren and makes me jump out of my skin. I hesitate to answer and receive the results of my MRI. The gastrointestinal doctor tells me exactly what I was hoping not to hear. The results show a bunch of stricturing and scarring within my intestines. I am going to need an ileocolic resection and anastomosis. A what?

Basically, one foot of my intestine needs to be taken out and then reattached to my colon. Sounds like fun, right? My first thought was, “Will I need a bag?” No. Well, that’s a huge positive and something I’m immediately grateful for.

I had been preparing for this news and knew for the last decade surgery was always a possibility and on the horizon. But, up until this point, I had managed to dodge the bullet. Not this time. I kept staring forward, nodding my head and telling him I appreciated the call.

My mom couldn’t hear what I was being told but said I kept blinking and my eyelashes were moving up and down quicker than she could comprehend. My mind was racing. Hooked up to machines and weak from my already four-day hospital stay and bowel obstruction, I broke down.

My mom and fiancé, Bobby, stood at my bedside, consoling me without needing to say a word. My cousin, Bill, who has been my rock and inspiration the past 26 years decided to take a 12-hour train ride to see me for one day. Miraculously, Bill has undergone two heart transplants and a kidney transplant. So when I need perspective, strength and courage, he’s my go-to and my hero.

Since we both have lived with chronic health issues and grew up four doors down the street from one another, the bond and closeness we share is one that can’t be described by words. Bill happened to be visiting that very day, but had to leave for his train right after I received the call. The timing was crazy. He only had five minutes to give me a pep talk. He didn’t smile, he looked me straight in the eye and told me I needed to give it six hours to sink in and that this is all for the better. He said to think everything through. Absorb it and revisit it later tonight. As he was on the train, he sent me this text:

“You’re going to be fine in the long run. Don’t focus on the difficulties of the coming month, rather think of the lasting positives you’ll experience in the long term because of the short-term struggles.”

Boom. What better advice could I have asked for? To this day I read that saved text message when I need strength. 

For anyone facing major surgery, it can be scary and daunting, especially if you’ve never had surgery and don’t know what the recovery will entail. Never experiencing surgery throws a whole different level of anxiety into the mix.

Here are my 10 tips to get through it:

1. Think of this as a fresh start

The days leading up to surgery are huge. Obviously, if it’s an emergency surgery, you don’t have time to think — even better in my opinion! But if you have the time, build up your spirit and strength so the recovery isn’t as much of a challenge.

It’s a mindset and a state of calmness and peace that will go out the window the minute they start prepping you for surgery. But for now, it’s about finding that happy Zen — the peace within.

Several doctors and surgeons told me the surgery would offer a “fresh start” and I would feel like a “rock star.” One year later, I have to agree. I’ve had more “feel good” days in the last 12 months than I have in the last 10 years.

2. Make a checklist and purchase some PJs and comfy clothes without waist bands.

I highly recommend finding clothes that are comfortable and make you feel pampered when you’re at your worst. I “spoiled” myself and got a bunch of new pajama dresses. Hospital scrubs are great, too!

3. Enjoy nature.

It’s no surprise that nature is said to be the best medicine. Do your best to stop thinking, stop wondering and stop analyzing or planning what’s going on for the rest of the day, week or month. Just breathe in that fresh air. Smile. Look at the clouds. Stare at the flowers that manage to brighten the day. Look at the trees that provide shelter and shade. It’s all a comfort that can’t be replicated. It’s easy to lie on the couch and think “woe is me” and not feel strong enough to do anything. I know there are days like that, and that’s OK. But when you get the itch to go outside, do it.

4. Stay away from Google.

It’s human nature to want to learn and educate yourself when you’re told you need to undergo surgery. While it’s helpful to ask questions to medical professionals, sometimes Googling for details and seeing pictures of the procedure and incisions can make the days leading up to it seem scarier. I know I read plenty of comments from people who made the whole process sound terrifying.

Talk to people you know who have gone through surgery, ideally people who have inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). One of my former interns and a friend from college both underwent resection procedures. They called me the week leading up to my surgery, and their advice was incredibly helpful and spot on.

5. Talk to your doctor before surgery.

The night before my surgery, my surgeon visited me and asked me how I would like my incision to look. From talking to fellow Crohnies, this doesn’t seem all that common. But ask for it! I asked for the incision to be made as low as possible and horizontal — he listened. Now I can wear a bikini and the only incisions that are visible are from the laparoscopic part of the procedure.

For the first few months after surgery, I couldn’t look at myself in the mirror below my belly button without getting upset. But a year later, the scars have become part of me and my story. I consider them battle wounds.

6. Get inspired.

When trying to stand and walk for the first time post-surgery, think of all the people out there who are paralyzed and would give anything for the chance to feel the ground beneath their feet. When getting poked and prodded, think of all the little kids battling illnesses and how they face adversity and pain and don’t shudder. No matter what you’re battling, use the strength of others to lift yourself up. In doing so, the cycle of inspiration and positivity continues. You are likely someone else’s source of strength without even knowing it.

7. Lean on others and don’t worry about being independent

You’re going to need family members or friends to help you through the recovery process. Don’t be too proud to ask for help or feel like you’re a burden. They are by your side because they care and love you. And if the roles were reversed, you know you’d do the same.

It’s easy to get frustrated during the recovery process and lash out because of the unbearable pain — try your best not to. Your caretakers are your lifeline and help you heal in so many ways. At the same time, make sure you slowly start to walk around the house and start doing things for yourself as you’re able. The more you can move, the quicker you will heal and have a sense of normalcy.

Challenge yourself to walking for five minutes then 10. Keep building up time. The key is not doing too much, too fast. Allow yourself to ease into life again.

8. Celebrate the small victories.

As you challenge yourself, you’ll slowly start to do everyday tasks that seem like a really big deal. I remember the first time I tied my shoes post-surgery and didn’t need my mom to dry my hair. It was a big deal! Celebrate those accomplishments. Sometimes even just putting makeup on while you convalesce on the couch can make you feel more like yourself.

9. Guard your belly.

The most pain I felt while recovering was when I laughed, sneezed, coughed and drove. Keep a pillow or body belt close by so you can cradle your stomach and ease some of the burden. One of my old “TV tricks” is to think of the smell of fish if you have to sneeze. If you do so, you won’t sneeze.

10. Share your story on social media.

This advice is coming from someone who dealt with the disease in secrecy for a little over nine years. I kept my struggles to myself because I didn’t want to be labeled as a “sickly” news anchor or garner sympathy from the public. The moment I shared my personal battle on social media in November 2014, it felt like a weight was lifted. The support, love and prayers from friends, family members and complete strangers has meant the world to me.

As I was going through hospital visits and surgery in 2015, that foundation of help behind me made me feel like I could overcome anything. At the same time, there has to be a balance. I try not to be negative and post daily about the pain. I don’t think anyone wants to hear that to be quite honest.

Until you’ve actually experienced something, it’s impossible to know how you’re going react or respond. I think it’s safe to say most people don’t like the thought of having surgery. But taking in that news and absorbing what this means — not only right now, but for years down the road — provides a unique time for clarity and introspection.

While you’re in the hospital or recovering at home, the sun keeps shining, people live their lives and the clock keeps ticking. While you may feel like your world is coming to a halt, it’s all in motion and you’re moving towards better days without even realizing it.

Follow this journey on Lights Camera Crohn’s.