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IM HOME!!!! After a 9 hour surgery with an unexpected problem during a completion Proctectomy and a double parastomal hernia repair. When they opened me up the surgeons found my bowel was twisted directly behind the parastomal hernia and it would have only been a matter of time before major complications would have occurred so I’m extremely thankfully that it was found and was corrected too. I woke up in a HDU or POCU (which I was expecting). Hooked up to 4 machines, a drain in my abdominal/pelvic cavity a catheter and needing O2. I spent 2 weeks in hospital gradually getting better and over the past week I’ve come off one after the other machine each day and finally had the catheter out as I could now get to the loo with the use of my trusty new friend Zoomy the Zimmer frame!! I had a few ups and downs but nothing could have stopped me when I was signed off by my surgical team, stoma nurse and physio team to go home. I’m extremely thankful to all who were involved in my care and recovery during this admission from The surgical team, nurses and nursing assistantship to the auxiliary staff who supplied the teas and food. All were professional and kind throughout. I’m home now and being extremely well looked after by my hubby and youngest daughter. So so glad I’ll be home for Christmas although I’ve been warned already that I’m not to over do it. So for now let me just say a big massive THANK YOU! To all involved at Royal Gwent Hospital and my family for putting up with me. I love you xxx #royalgwenthospital #crohnsdisease #ibd #chronicfatiguesyndrome #cfs #proctectomy #colectomy #stoma #ilestomy #sjrogrens #ankylosingspondylitis #fibromyalgia #wykyk #nocolonstillrollin (at Royal Gwent Hospital) https://www.instagram.com/p/Ck38ffqs-tU/?igshid=NGJjMDIxMWI=

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⚠️⚠️TRIGGER WARNING ⚠️ ⚠️ THE FOLLOWING POST CONTAINS GRAPHIC IMAGES OF:- ••BLOOD•• ••WOUNDS•• ••STITCHES•• ••WOUND DRAIN•• ••OPEN WOUND•• ••NEEDLES •• On Sunday 30th I was admitted to the Royal Gwent Hospital in Newport for a planned surgery because of Crohn’s disease on Monday 31st…. Halloween of all days! This surgery is a completion Proctectomy:- it involves the removal of the rectal stump, rectum and anus. This is then sewn shut. Whilst I’m open on the table my amazing surgeon repaired the sliding hernia that’s been causing much of my issues with solid food, obstructions and pain. 2 years previously I had a sub total colectomy, meaning my entire large bowel was removed due to Crohns. Therefore I’d already had a permanent stoma formed. When my dressings were changed earlier I was totally gobsmacked to see no staples or stitches. It has been stitched internally and glued externally. I’m so so impressed with how neat and tidy it looks although, obviously I can’t see the wound left from the back passage removal as I’m just not that bendy!! But, don’t be fooled I’m so F***ing sore!! I have a fandangly bed with an air mattress, I have air leg cuffs to help with blood flow and an air cushion for the chair so I can sit out of bed….. I did that today for the first time!! But I’m gutted to feel so bloody weak!! I can’t stand up or sit down without assistance and the physio has said walking is out of the question due to my blood pressure dropping so much. Hopefully my BP will behave tomorrow and I can go for a little walk with a zimmer. Now I have had the much needed surgery I am hoping I can gradually start to try Solid food and not have any adverse effects. Now it’s time to recover. #crohnsdisease #ibd #stomaawareness #stomabag #surgery #recovery #cfs #chronicillness #nocolonstillrollin #liquidnutrition (at Royal Gwent Hospital) https://www.instagram.com/p/CkhCymCD3PE/?igshid=NGJjMDIxMWI=

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In hospital this afternoon to prep for my barbie butt surgery and internal parastomal hernia repair in the morning! Been two years in the making ! Let’s get it done! #crohnsdisease #surgery #ibd #proctectomy #completionproctectomy #nocolon #nocolonstillrollin #chronicillness #autoimmune #liquidnutrition (at Royal Gwent Hospital) https://www.instagram.com/p/CkWPq7csDvR/?igshid=NGJjMDIxMWI=

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Totally love this awesome man! There’s nothing he can’t do so far. I’d absolutely love to meet him. How do you go about meeting an onscreen celebrity? I see so many people posting about getting to meet famous people. I’ve also seen one person get to meet Taron multiple times!! How do I get the chance to meet this amazingly talented, amazingly gorgeous Welsh man? Anybody know? Any tips? @taron.egerton #taronegerton #taronegertonedit #tarondavidegerton #blackbird #kingsman #eddietheeagle #sing #meettaronegerton #meeting #meetandgreet #bucketlist #pleasehelp #goals #friendgoals (at South Wales) https://www.instagram.com/p/CfbPekCL4O2/?igshid=NGJjMDIxMWI=

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This human is absolutely drop dead gorgeous!!❤️🏴󠁧󠁢󠁷󠁬󠁳󠁿🏴󠁧󠁢󠁷󠁬󠁳󠁿🏴󠁧󠁢󠁷󠁬󠁳󠁿🏴󠁧󠁢󠁷󠁬󠁳󠁿🏴󠁧󠁢󠁷󠁬󠁳󠁿🏴󠁧󠁢󠁷󠁬󠁳󠁿🏴󠁧󠁢󠁷󠁬󠁳󠁿🏴󠁧󠁢󠁷󠁬󠁳󠁿🏴󠁧󠁢󠁷󠁬󠁳󠁿🏴󠁧󠁢󠁷󠁬󠁳󠁿🏴󠁧󠁢󠁷󠁬󠁳󠁿🏴󠁧󠁢󠁷󠁬󠁳󠁿🏴󠁧󠁢󠁷󠁬󠁳󠁿🏴󠁧󠁢󠁷󠁬󠁳󠁿🏴󠁧󠁢󠁷󠁬󠁳󠁿🏴󠁧󠁢󠁷󠁬󠁳󠁿🏴󠁧󠁢󠁷󠁬󠁳󠁿

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I’ve started to love teaching myself to do calligraphy and lettering and a bit of art (was in school last time I did art! 30 years ago!! I find it very relaxing and therapeutic so Please be nice, constructive criticism welcome. (There’s no need to be mean…) thanks ❤️❤️🏴󠁧󠁢󠁷󠁬󠁳󠁿 (at South Wales) https://www.instagram.com/p/CeJeDOmrq2n/?igshid=NGJjMDIxMWI=

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On this ‘World IBD day’ I want more people to understand what we go through each and every day. I want to make people more aware of and understand that there shouldn’t be a stigma around the subject and that talking about ‘poo’ isn’t ‘taboo’!! Oh and while we are on the subject having and talking about ‘stoma’s isn’t taboo’ either. IBD is a autoimmune disease and unfortunately people (myself included) usually suffer with multiple autoimmune diseases/illnesses at the same time. Many of which like IBD are incurable and lifelong. #ibdday #ibdawareness #crohnsdisease #invisibleillness #chronicfatigue #nocure #makinginvisibleillnessesvisible #lifelong #stoma #stomaawareness #ileostomylife (at South Wales) https://www.instagram.com/p/Cdu4SLEON4L/?igshid=NGJjMDIxMWI=

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One of the hardest things, second to the pain I have to live with every day is the chronic fatigue syndrome I suffer with. I think that because I have multiple chronic autoimmune illnesses the fatigue seems so much harder to handle. Today for example, I can’t seem to stay awake for 30mins before I’m sleeping again and to make it worse you don’t wake feeling refreshed at all in fact you can even feel worse, I wake with severe brain fog and nausea and previously (not so much of a issue now but) because of the person that I am if it’s over a prolonged period of time (24+hours) with out relief I start to feel guilty and lazy in myself. My husband helped me realise that it’s out of my control and as such it can’t be helped, that it’s not my fault, that I didn’t ask to be like this and to just accept what I cannot change, rest and recover to deal with everything that chronic illnesses throw at you. Having an understanding support network of family and friends is paramount to help you deal with all the curve balls chronic life long incurable illness/illnesses can throw at you on a daily basis Rest assured you are not alone, you are not lazy, you are not weak it’s not giving up to give in to the fatigue, it’s acceptance and an understanding that comes from experiencing the fatigue, pain and anxiety of chronic illnesses that you learn you MUST rest as much as you can when it hits you. At the end of the day you know your body best! Do what works for you and above all else go easy on yourself. Much love to you all.xxx #chronicillness #crohnsdisease #crohnsawareness #ibdawareness #crohnswarrior #colitis #crohnsandcolitisfoundation #chronicfatigue #invisableillness #notallillnessesarevisible #selfcare #selflove #ankylosingspondylitis #fybromyalgia #dysmotility #gastritis #cfs #sjorgenssyndrome #ngtube #liquidnutrition #mentalhealthawareness #mentalhealthmatters #depression #anxiety #warrior #strongertogether #knowyourself #nhs #nhsheroes #welsh (at South Wales) https://www.instagram.com/p/Cb7wa-MsBRO/?utm_medium=tumblr

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Happy Mother’s Day mum! You are my absolute hero! I’m so thankful every day that you’re my mum!🙏 You are so strong in the face of such pain. 💪 You have been so poorly lately yet still have the courage to smile!Regardless of what you are doing you always have time to listen and give an endless supply of Cwtches. Everyone including me thinks they have the best mum in the world but, I also have the worlds best friend in you too. Have an amazing day, I’ll see you later. Love you millions ❤️❤️❤️ (at South Wales) https://www.instagram.com/p/CbmdbXGuOee/?utm_medium=tumblr

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Chronic / invisible illnesses don’t just go away! Chronic / invisible illnesses don’t give you a break! Chronic / invisible illnesses don’t ask permission! Chronic / invisible illnesses suck! Chronic / invisible illnesses strike without warning! Chronic / invisible illnesses can affect anyone! Chronic / invisible illnesses are not linear! Chronic /invisible illnesses are indiscriminate! chronic / invisible illnesses don’t care if your young or old, male or female, big or small. It doesn’t care if your the healthiest person or a couch potato. It doesn’t care about the colour of your skin or what language you speak. It doesn’t care if you need to be well for that important interview or if you have people who are counting on you. ANYONE can become chronic ill! You can go from feeling ok to feeling crappy in the space of an hour! And when I say feeling ok that doesn’t mean you are well, you are still chronically ill it’s just some days are better than others, some days you have to put on a brave front, some days you feel dreadful on the inside but fight through it as best you can. These pictures were taken only hours apart. Please have care with your comments to others as just because someone looks well it doesn’t mean they no longer feel like shit!! #chronicillness #invisibleillness #crohnsdisease #ibdawareness #ankylosingspondylitis #fibromyalgia #dysmotility #pain #nausea #chronicfatiguesyndrome #anaemia #liquidnutrition #strongertogether #loveeachother #rest #loveyourself (at South Wales) https://www.instagram.com/p/CaK7Em1LU93/?utm_medium=tumblr

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Sometimes feeding tubes are needed. I’ve had feeding or NG Tubes four times now. NG tube means NasoGastric tube. The most recent while in hospital in January. NGs are soft flexible tubes and are used to provide liquid nutrition and provide certain medications. And sometimes for removal of air or liquids from the stomach. Eg. When there’s an intestinal blockage. #ngtube #feedingtube #ngawareness #feedingtubeawareness #crohns #crohnsdisease #ibd #ibdawareness #stoma #stomaawareness #ileostomy #ileostomyawareness #invsableillness #makinginvisibleillnessesvisible #nocolonstillrollin #nocolonclub (at South Wales) https://www.instagram.com/p/CZpz5gKMFI9/?utm_medium=tumblr

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#crookedstylechallenge (at South Wales) https://www.instagram.com/p/CYrPX--o0e_/?utm_medium=tumblr

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A post shared by Zena-Dawn Francis (@zenadawn.stoma.warrior)

#dontmesswithmum #payback #badassmum #tea #vodka #jokes #hotwater #funnymemes #ouch #instantrevenge #instantkarma (at South Wales) https://www.instagram.com/p/CSMDXofIRZR/?utm_medium=tumblr

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Since becoming chronically ill a few years ago my hair (among a multitude of other things) has really really suffered. Over the last week or two my hair has stared falling out really bad again, hence drastic hair cut! Pictures No.1 Before chronic illnesses, the fit and healthy me!! No.2 How my hair has been since illnesses. Little hair growth, constant breakage and thin. My hair did respond well to a growth serum the last two months but then a week or so ago it started falling out in clumps, severe breakage and extremely fragile, leaving huge gaps missing especially noticeable at the back, breakage leaving only 2-3 inches of hair and so fragile even running my fingers through it pulled out loads of hair. No.3 Now. Had to make a decision to get a drastic hair cut to the shortest length at the back and layers to blend breakage all over. Hopefully it’s not the start of round 3 of Alopecia!! #chronicillness #crohnsdisease #crohnsandcolitis #crohnswarrior #ankylosingspondylitis #ankylosingspondylitiswarrior #invisibleillnessawareness #makinginvisibleillnessesvisible #autoimmunedisease #ileostomy #ileostomywarrior #ileostomyawareness #stomaawareness #stomaawareness #nocolonstillrollin #ibdwarriors #mybodyisattackingitself #alopecia #alopeciaawareness #mybodyjourney #itsoknottobeok #togetherstronger #fightingdisabilities #disabilityawareness #disabilityinclusion #disabilityisdiversity (at South Wales) https://www.instagram.com/p/CRYkN9Dry20/?utm_medium=tumblr

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My gorgeous daughter ❤️

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Pre-Op Assessment this morning for my Emergency Non-Cancer Proctectomy being done in two-three weeks. Urgent MRI this afternoon to monitor progress of my Ankylosing Spondylitis of my lumbar vertebrae and Sacroiliac joints. Meeting my Bestest Friend (my mum) later for coffee and a little retail therapy. #preoperation #crohnsdisease #proctectomy #ileostomy #ankylosingspondylitis #arthritis #invisibleillness #fighter #autoimmunedisease (at Cwmbran) https://www.instagram.com/p/CN9Y1B6re1f/?igshid=1rb3iprxlpntw

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Hospital to see my Rheumatology consultant. I need to have an urgent MRI to look at inflammation in my lumbar spine and SI joints (hips) Also got told I have developed Fibromyalgia... so yay!!(not) yet another chronic illness to contend with!! #invisibledisease #invisibleillnessawareness #makinginvisibleillnessesvisible #crohnsdisease #ibdawareness #ankylosingspondylitis #rhymatoidathritis #fibromyalgia (at South Wales) https://www.instagram.com/p/CM2e5CWrLFQ/?igshid=18unf0cu8f874