A quick update from the last couple of weeks...

So, a few wees ago, I saw my gastroenterologist and we had the discussion about where to go from here. Essentially, the Humira pens weren't showing any improved results since coming off of the steroids, and in fact were creating a rather uncomfortable localized reaction.

After talking with him and speaking with my surgeon, I have been placed on the 'semi-urgent' waiting list and will hopefully get in for surgery within 90 days, (fingers crossed). In the meantime, I am back on the steroids to try to keep me as stable as possible.

Today, I got to meet with a stoma nurse who talked me through the exact procedure and informed me of what to expect.

Initially, I will be going on for an operation to create a 'J-pouch' and a 'loop' where the surgeon will remove my entire large intestine, take the lower part of my small intestine and form it into a pouch. (right hand part of the diagram below)

So my insides will look something like this. Where the opening is, there will be a bag to collect any output that is created.

There will be quite a bit of healing and recovering and adjusting to do post surgery, but the positives at the moment greatly outweigh the negatives.

If I choose, I can then later go down the path of a 'reversal', where the intestine is put back inside the body, and one uses the toilet again like a regular human. I'm not making a decision on whether I do take this path or not just yet.. but it's an option.

Now we just play the waiting game... hopefully the hospital has a place for me soon, and I can get on the path to recovery sooner rather than later!