The Will to Overcome: Finding Strength in the Midst of a Medical Extravaganza
I have no idea what words will come in sharing what the past couple months have been. I went in for a fairly standard, even simple back surgery … and today I am sitting in total disbelief of what transpired. My body is strong, capable and a complete personification of badassery survival! Y’all my story is being written and I pray the ending demonstrates the kind of tenacity that can only be forged in the fires of adversity. This isn’t just a tale of survival; I want it to be a testament to the indomitable spirit that thrives within us, even when faced with our darkest moments.
It all began with a shock — the kind that knocks the wind out of you and leaves you grappling for your next breath. Picture this: one day, you’re figuring out how to use a walker to get ready for discharge, and the next, you’re facing a medical crisis that introduces a word like ‘ileostomy’ into your everyday vocabulary. I did not know it was possible for a large intestine to basically blow-up! It’s a curveball that life throws at you, and suddenly, you’re in the batter’s box, deciding whether to swing or not.
I will never forget the moment Dr. Robison stopped them from wheeling me in to the operating room – “Lisa, tell me why you want to live. What are you fighting for?” Those words changed everything for me.
Here’s the thing about us humans — we’re resilient creatures. We’re survivors. And more than that, we’re thrivers. When the going gets tough, we help each other find a well of belief deep within us that sometimes, we never knew existed. It’s that belief that becomes the cornerstone of our journey through recovery and beyond.
Surviving a medical implosion is no small feat. It’s a road paved with challenges, setbacks, and sometimes, a whole lot of pain. My road included weeks at the hospital, months at the long term acute care facility, wound vacs and all the fun those bring, a home coming celebration before another surprise surgery and more hospital time. And, in the midst of all that, there’s also growth, learning, and an appreciation for life that can only come from having looked it square in the face and saying, “Not today Satan. You DO NOT win!”
And thrive we do. We take each day as a gift, each challenge as a lesson, and each victory, no matter how small, as a cause for celebration. We find joy in the little things, like the warmth of the sun on our skin getting to finally sit on the back patio again or the unconditional love of our furry companions since you know my boys are the snuggle champions. We learn to laugh louder (holding pillows on our tummies), love harder (even when we are so weak from not moving for months), and live with a purpose that fuels our desire to make every moment count (because through this you finally understand how precious life is).
So here’s to my fellow tribe of badass ostomates — the fighters, the believers, the overcomers — y’all are the true heroes. Your stories inspire, your courage uplifts, and your will to thrive gives hope to those who may be just beginning their journey. I still struggle to even look at my belly and have a colossal meltdown at every bag change. Keep shining your light for others to find the way out, and for those starting, remember, you’re not alone. We’re in this together, one day, one step, and one breath at a time. Stay strong, stay hopeful, and keep that warrior spirit alive. Until next time, keep your chin up and your heart open.
With love and resilience, an ileostomy newbie.
