Finding joy in the little things with a stoma | by Louise

The last 16 years healthwise for me have been a little traumatic to say the least!

Surgery after surgery, not to mention the numerous hospital admissions and then to add medical PTSD which I am now having treated with counselling and EMDR. I will admit that the last two years have been difficult and sometimes hard to find joy…

Being thankful

I’m currently in the process of having extensive counselling to lessen my PTSD flashbacks and night terrors. Having to recall all the trauma has finally connected me to my inner emotions and actually letting it all out. Each session leaves me feeling low, however now that I am halfway through, I feel like I am finally getting the old Louise back and feeling a lust for life again that was previously lacking.

I have always found that I prioritise everyone over myself and that the new grounding techniques being used during the therapy means I am finally putting myself first and finding the joy in the little things.

Ruby, my dog, is my life. She’s been there for cuddles and love when I am feeling low
My work: being back to care has given me stability and previously lacking routine, it also feels amazing to be giving back all the help and care I received previously
My health: I am finally back to 80% and its amazing to be pain free
Love: even through the hard times, our relationship has still stayed strong
My hobbies: finally back to reading and attending a book group every two weeks, my loom knitting and being creative and I am now enjoying being back out hiking four times a week with my partner in crime, Ruby.

My counselling is helping me with being thankful for little things, as my weekly homework involves writing down the good points for each day.

As always,
Many thanks for reading

Louise
@crohnsfighting