Made apple puff parcels this evening. I haven’t tried them yet but they seem to have come out ok. It’s just ready-to-use puff pastry cut into squares and put into a greased cupcake tin with apple sauce in the middle, egg wash on top and cook for about 25 mins at 200C. They didn’t take very long to make at all.

Short day trip

I had an appointment for Universal Credit this morning and because it was in the middle of town (which isn’t that far from where I live), we decided to do a little shopping. I got a few things for my stoma emergency kit as well as a new pair of shorts. It was a good day, even if I am a little tired from all the walking. I was a little stiff from not doing much yesterday so I think it was good to go out for a bit today.

Got some clothes from a friend the other day. They fit really well and are so comfy, even with my bag. I’m really grateful to her; she even bought me a new skirt and top yesterday out of the blue! I feel a lot less self-conscious now when I go out because I have clothes that’ll cover my bag but not restrict it.

I had a really nice afternoon today; some friends who I haven’t seen in such a long time came over, and I was able to walk (albeit slowly) to the local coffee shop and back without feeling exhausted or in pain. I think I’ll stay inside though for the next couple of days to give myself a rest; I don’t want to overdo it.

My first day trip… sorta

So, I finally left the flat and went to a public place today for the first time in over a month! The only places I’ve been to since getting out of the hospital were back to the hospital to collect my meds and to my doctors to have stitches removed. It felt good to go outside and be somewhere that wasn’t medical, and where I could feel more normal.

I had a really nice Eggs Benedict (pouched eggs and bacon on an breakfast muffin) with tea, followed by a chocolate muffin. I am so happy to say that I could eat all that! A couple of months ago I wouldn’t have been able to eat any of it for fear of it causing me major pain and several dashes to the bathroom.

Although this whole stoma/surgery thing has been pretty scary and a bit of a steep learning curve (and still is), I am glad I had it done. I’m no longer in pain after eating, I don’t have to dash to the bathroom (making sure to take my phone because I know I’ll be in there for a long time), and I can eat most foods that I couldn’t before. There are, of course, some restrictions on what I can and can’t eat with my stoma, but nowhere near as many as before. 

It’s odd, but this surgery really has given me a new lease on life. I know I’m still recovering and need to take it slow to ensure I don’t overdo it, but I can feel myself improving, if only a little, each day.

It took me all day because I had to take several breaks, but I made a banana and chocolate chip cake yesterday with whipped cream in the middle and chocolate cream and sprinkles on top.

I find cooking and baking relaxing and it gives me something to focus on whilst I recover.