Michelle’s Story

Site created on March 10, 2021

Hi friends! Welcome to my CaringBridge website! As you may know, I was born with spina bifida (a chronic and somewhat invisible condition, for me). I have had several surgeries over the years, all of which have been an adventure. My next big adventure starts today (3/12/21)! After struggling with poor motility for over 10 years, I am finally saying goodbye to my colon and am getting a brand new ileostomy. My stoma’s name is Meg. I am naming her after Meg Ryan (obviously) who plays my favorite character in my favorite movie of all time: Kathleen Kelly in You’ve Got Mail. I’m super excited to meet her! I’ll be posting updates and pictures here to keep you all in the loop and keep track of my progress. Thanks for the support! 🙂

Newest Update

Journal entry by Michelle Arthur

Hi friends! 

This will be my last post for awhile. I had my 6-week appointment with my surgeon Thursday and it went really well! My incisions are all healed, Meg looks great, and I’m able to eat fairly normally again (biggest win for me). 🙂  I’m still being careful with my diet and lifting, but technically I don’t have any more restrictions according to my surgeon. 

I will probably need another surgery pretty soon but I’ll wait to share about that until I know more. I’ll re-post the link for this site on my social media pages for those who are interested in following that journey. I have a consultation with a new surgeon on June 3rd so any good vibes, love, prayers, etc. you want to send my way for that appointment are appreciated! I’m on a cancellation list and hoping I can get in before June 3rd since I plan on going back to school in August. 

Thank you all for your support during this surgery and recovery! Your kind words, cards, visits, and care packages meant the world to me. 🌎💕

 Also, if you or a loved one are going through similar things or if you just have questions for me, please reach out! I’d love to chat. 😊
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