{"id":1894,"date":"2025-04-23T11:24:25","date_gmt":"2025-04-23T11:24:25","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.eakinostomy.com\/?p=1894"},"modified":"2025-07-08T15:38:40","modified_gmt":"2025-07-08T15:38:40","slug":"a-note-to-myself-by-kevin","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.eakinostomy.com\/US\/blog\/a-note-to-myself-by-kevin\/","title":{"rendered":"A note to myself | by Kevin"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
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A note to myself | by Kevin<\/h1>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n
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Dear me, standing on the edge of the unknown,<\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n\n

I know you’re scared. You’re overwhelmed, uncertain, and wondering what life will look like on the other side of this surgery. But there\u2019s so much I wish you knew, so many truths I now carry that would\u2019ve brought you understanding in those sleepless nights.<\/h4>\n\n\n
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The fear is real – but so is your strength<\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n\n

You\u2019ve faced hard things before, but this feels different more permanent, more personal. You’re worried about your identity, your relationships, even the clothes you\u2019ll wear. But let me say this loud and clear: you will adapt. That strength you\u2019re not sure you have. It\u2019s there. And it will show when you need it most. Not overnight, but gradually and powerfully.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The stoma does not define you<\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n\n

I know you\u2019re worried about what people will think. You\u2019re wondering if this bag will become the first thing others notice about you. But here’s the truth: it won\u2019t. The people who matter won\u2019t see you as ‘the person with a stoma’. They\u2019ll see you, the same compassionate, funny, resilient soul you\u2019ve always been, and resilience will be one of your huge key strengths. One thing you will achieve is what you have always wanted to do is run and complete the London marathon.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

You\u2019ll learn to see the stoma not as a flaw, but as a symbol of survival. Of choosing life and quality over quiet suffering. You\u2019ll wear it with more pride than you can possibly imagine right now.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Life after surgery is still life<\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n\n

There will be joy again. Laughter. Adventures, moments that have nothing to do with hospitals or medication. You\u2019ll travel. You\u2019ll laugh until your sides ache. You\u2019ll rebuild your routines, your self-image, your confidence piece by piece.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Yes, there will be tough days physically and emotionally, but they won\u2019t last forever. And each one will teach you something about perseverance, grace, and how deeply human you are.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Did you ever think\u2026?<\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n\n

Did you ever think you would become a support for others going through the same thing? Did you imagine you\u2019d sit across from children facing similar surgeries, able to look them in the eye and say, \u201cYou\u2019re going to be okay,\u201d and truly mean it?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Did you know you\u2019d take part in a podcast, sharing your story, your journey, your truth and realise that your words matter? That your experience has power?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

And did you ever think honestly that you\u2019d take your top off in front of others and show your stoma, not with shame, but with pride? I know what you’re thinking, because I thought the same thing: never in a million years. But you did. And you should feel damn proud of it.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Growth you never expected<\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n\n

This journey will stretch you in ways you never asked for, but it will also grow you in ways you never dreamed. You\u2019ll learn to advocate for yourself, to speak your truth more boldly, and to connect with others walking this path with compassion and strength. You\u2019ll find community in unexpected places, and you\u2019ll become a light for someone else facing the very same fear you feel right now.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

You\u2019ve got this <\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n\n

So breathe. Cry when you need to. Ask for help. But don\u2019t forget, you\u2019re not just going to survive this you\u2019re going to thrive. You\u2019ll emerge from this stronger, wiser, and more grounded than ever. You\u2019ve come so far and I\u2019m so proud of you.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

With all the love and courage, you\u2019ll soon discover,
Me, Kev, a little wiser and a lot stronger<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Kevin
@thestomaguy<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n

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