Surprise weekend away in New Zealand

Hey everyone!

So I had a lovely weekend away - My husband (Will) and I snuck 'home' to New Zealand to surprise our families. For those of you who don't know me I am from New Zealand and still refer to it as home but I live in Brisbane, Australia now.
Now we have actually had this trip booked since June but didn't think it would go ahead because of my impending surgery, then constantly getting sick - but I got to go!!! YAY!!!!
My ileostomy surgery was originally booked for the 1st of August  - the day we were meant to fly to NZ, so I was really gutted that I couldn't go but then having shingles actually turned out good for something, and pushed back the date of surgery meaning I could go.

Now to friends that we didn't tell about this trip or get to see, I am sorry  - But it wasn't about you! Sorry - that sounds really bad!! But we went back to see our new niece, Mila, who was born in June who we haven't met yet and just to surprise our families and have a nice weekend with them. Because it was a surprise weekend away (our families had no idea) we couldn't risk telling anyone just in case the word got out! It was really nice to have a weekend away and see everyone before I go in to have surgery. I think it was also good for my family members because they had questions about the surgery that I was able to answer.

I was a bit hesitant about going on this trip. With finding out recently that I might not be able to have children, and with one of the main reasons of this trip to see my nieces (and I also went to visit my godson) I was a bit worried about how I would feel. But I was actually OK. It wasn't easy by any means but I had a really nice weekend away and it was amazing to see our families so I am really glad that I went :)

My second biggest concern this weekend was feeling left out and being a bit miserable because I would be drinking my shakes while everyone got to eat. Funny thing is, when I had my fortisip shakes, I actually started feeling really unwell. I got headaches, stomach was churning and felt really sickly. So I ate this weekend! While it didn't make me feel amazing, It was a darn site better than drinking the shakes so I was pretty happy about that.

I am counting down the days now until my surgery - 10 more sleeps! I am looking forward to it so I can get back to getting on with life and adapting to my new self! In saying that I had a massive freak out on the 1st of August, when I realised what day it was and that I was originally booked in for my surgery that day. I guess I am as ready as I can be for it. No one can particularly be looking forward to undergoing life changing surgery knowing that they will wake up with a poo bag can they?!

I have my anaesthetist appointment tomorrow so I will keep you posted on how that goes.

Much love

Holly X