So I thought I would do something a little different this week and I have written a few poems on life with an ostomy which you can find here, here and here. Often writing a particular theme can give you writers block especially on poems; this was certainly no different even though I used the acrostic style. Do you remember writing poems in this style as a child in primary schools often around harvest or Christmas?

O – opportunities to be experienced

S – support from others

T – travelling can become easier

O – optimism for the future

M – medical marvels

Y – years to look forward too

L – less trips to the loo!

I – independence regained

F – fitness can be achieved once more

E – events to go too

I understand that if you were to do your own version of this acrostic it may not be as positive and although sad that is completely acceptable as we are all individuals and our conditions and stoma’s all act differently from one person to the next. Heck you may completely hate it and ultimately that is your choice.

So why did I pick what I picked for each letter? Well I have experienced so many different things that I would never have if it wasn’t for my ileostomy. I have made some amazing friends along the way and hopefully I am an amazing friend to others in return. I have been able to travel with my ostomy both in the United Kingdom and abroad. The fact I am able to be a proper active Mum to Ra-Ra and let alone being able to conceive Button in the first place 6 months after my ostomy surgery,; I am optimistic for our future. I once despised the idea of having an ileostomy I didn’t know enough about it and thought I would be better off dead; I chose to have this nearly a decade after that thought and to me it is a medical marvel not the worst case scenario. I have years ahead of me to enjoy with my family rather than years of merely existing.

Having less trips to the loo and the trips I do have not being filled with pain and blood is amazing. I know this is a big thing for many other people with ostomies but having their independence back and not needing to know where every toilet in the vicinity is. A lot of ostomates enjoy being active and having the chance or choice to be able to exercise and get fit again. Lastly the various ostomy events be it support groups, stoma open days, conferences or just a good old knees up!

Why don’t you try and write your own acrostic? I would love to see what you come up with!