I enjoy seeing the outdoors and taking hikes to be with nature. On my hikes, I feel free and alive. Living in Gatlinburg, Tennessee, I am surrounded by mountains and plenty of trails to explore. Taking a breath of fresh mountain air in the morning, there is nothing like it. However, my life took a turn a year ago when I found out I had to get a colostomy surgery.
Last year it was like any typical day. I went to work and went about my day as I would usually. After my lunch, I was having some indigestion witch did not feel all that good. Around four o’clock, I had collapsed, and my coworkers rushed me to the emergency room. Once there, I was put into a room. Shortly after arriving in the exam room, I was seen by a doctor. I told him what had happened, and one of my coworkers was there to fill in any gaps. After telling the doctor about the indigestion I experienced, he wanted to get a CT scan. This scan revealed I had an infection in my intestines, and the only solution would be a colostomy procedure. I was devastated as I feared this would impede my ability to hike and work effectively. He assured me that I did not have anything to worry about and I will be able to do everything I wanted as well as I had before.
The adjustment period was rough. It took me about three months to be used to carrying around this pouch with me. I still hike to this day with a greater appreciation of the nature around me. There is not much of a difference hiking with an ostomy bag, really. The nice perk is that I do not have to stop to use the bathroom ever. I can get to the end of the hike a bit slower as I am trying to take in all the sights and smells around me.
I usually take hikes after work to unwind and forget about the day. I have come to appreciate the quiet of it all. The hikes after work are great for my mental, I use this time to think about goals to set for myself and I mentioned unwind from the stresses of work. I enjoy trying to spot animals while on my walks. I keep an eye out for bears as they are known to be in the mountains I hike. It would be interesting to see one, just from a distance of course. Hikes are my passion and I am glad to still be able to go on them and take in the sights.
Hiking with an ostomy bag is not any different than hiking without one, other than being able to use the bathroom without needing a bathroom. I was relieved when I found out I was able to still take my hikes. If I could not be out in nature I think I would go crazy at some point. Living and working with an ostomy bag is not horrible, it is not much different from my life before I had one. However, now I am determined to see and learn more about the environment around me and how I can help keep it safe and thriving. Taking hikes helps me forget about my situation and focus on the surroundings. In a way, I am happy to have needed this surgery it is making me slow down and appreciate the little things.
