Update from Tommy Click

First, let me say thank you to everyone for all of the cards, calls, thoughts, prayers and well wishes.

I had surgery last Monday 1/26 to remove my entire colon. The purpose of this surgery to cure the Ulcerative Colitis we've been dealing with for the past 8 years. Surgery cures this disease forever and the time was right.

Because of Aunt Jane's wonderful recommendation, we built a relationship with Dr. Ron Bleday, Head of Colon Surgery at Brigham and Women's, over the past 3 years so we had Dr Bleday perform the procedure. From day 1, he has been amazing. Very confident that the timing and my current health situation was right for the surgery, so we we've been comfortable all along. The surgery went well, so well I only needed to spend the minimum 4 days in the hospital afterwards. I got home Friday 1/30 and have been resting comfortably since.

Shelley has been a true savior in this whole thing. Ryan has been sick and I am basically useless so she is really bearing the brunt of this whole thing so far. She's the best. My mom and sister and brother and everyone have been great offering to help in any way they can. We feel so lucky to have each other, and everyone around us.

Anyways, my recovery consists of a ton of rest, no lifting of any kind, no driving, limited exercise, limited work, etc. (Beer and Dry Manhattan's are recommended in my recovery oddly enough - ha!) Basically, I'm useless for the next 3-4 weeks as I build up my strength and abdomen muscles again. (right now, it's difficult to even roll over). But, every day will get better as long as I stay somewhat active, walk around, eat right, and not push it. Also, I am on a new diet as I re-train my digestive track. It's not too far from my old diet, so that adjustment isn't that bad. The surgeon and his team are very positive on my recovery thusfar so it's encouraging. I have a follow up appointment on 2/18, then will find out when my second surgery is (most likely end of March), and then this will truly be behind us in time for Michael's arrival, and the summer. In the meantime, we'll be using this time to recovery fully, spend time with Ryan and get ready for Michael. Please feel free to give us a call anytime or shoot me an email. Again, thanks to everyone for all your warm wishes. Thanks to Shelley and my family for everything you do for me each day. I'll be back on my feet and back to my old self in no time. (Better even, as Colitis will be behind us forever).

Thanks,
Tom