- I must wear a suit when having my first bowel movement with a J-Pouch.
- Kangaroo + Pouch = Super Long Jump Ability, Lead Role In Movie “Kangaroo Jack”.  Brevin + J-Pouch = ??? What super power and movie do I get?
- Mental Note: Learn the language of the kangaroos, start bonding with these pouch brethren.
- If you have UC, die, and come back as a zombie, will you be a zombie with UC? This applies to all medical conditions. I’ve never seen a zombie with asthma.

Lately I’ve been using the insomnia sessions to paint. Inspired by the Healing Art post, I’ve been painting things J-Pouch related. When you’re pre-surgery, creating art of any kind is very therapeutic and I highly recommend it. It’s distracting and productive at the same time, all while stalling my inevitable panic attacks. Below is my most recent finished painting. I thought some of you might appreciate it, since it’s pretty applicable to this community:

"The Surgery", 16" by 20", acrylic and ink

This piece is currently displayed at the Collective Individual gallery in Vallejo, CA.

These posts might also help out:

• January 10, 2009 -- Remaining Positive, (0)
• February 1, 2009 -- Healing Art (2)
• December 8, 2010 -- Cleveland Clinic, Day 1 (6)
• November 4, 2010 -- Fear Monger, MD (6)

Evelyn, painting by Heath Rosselli

The issues with body image are prevalent for individuals who undergo surgery such as the colectomy to jpouch.  Many individuals struggle with the stoma and appliance and self-esteem/body image. Others struggle with the scars after all is said and done.  We rarely see ostomies and scars out in the world for people to easily view. I guess that is what makes this blog unique – just showing it all.  A recent exhibit at the Louvre in Paris shows a nude portrait of a woman after a masectomy due to breast cancer, Evelyn by Heath Rosselli.  The picture has won critical acclaim for showing the strenght and happiness in her face while removing the empahsis away from her female sexuality.  I also love the beauty of the Colondar for making art of the modified bodies of colon cancer survivors.  I figure we are making art here on this site, showing the beauty and truth of this body modification, while showing the support and strenght to get through the changes.  People really are remarkable when you hear their stories of survival and coping.

These posts might also help out:

• April 25, 2009 -- Therapeutic Art Sessions (9)
• January 10, 2009 -- Remaining Positive, (0)
• June 30, 2008 -- Songs about UC (2)

"Warped" Medium: Acrylic on canvas

Remaining positive is very important in life and can be especially difficult once you are presented with a chronic illness. On his site, Dennis has posted some interesting paintings called the yes paintings. He describes them as answers to “the question”:

So while the Question and the Asker may not be immediately clear, the Answer is quite clear. There are really only two possibilities: Yes and No. If you say Yes you embrace the Question and all the ramifications that come with it. But if you say anything less than Yes, you reject the Question, either because you don’t understand it or you don’t want to accept what it will mean to say Yes to the Question.

Check them out, and stay positive everyone!

These posts might also help out:

• April 25, 2009 -- Therapeutic Art Sessions (9)
• February 1, 2009 -- Healing Art (2)
• June 30, 2008 -- Songs about UC (2)

[youtube=http://youtube.com/watch?v=9JeZ0A7Jigw&feature=related]

The Rain Song

Sleep now, you’re on the edge of breaking down.
Breathe now, you can’t forget that one.
Rain fell, and you’re still along that same wet road.
Oh I’m only twenty one and I’m already so low.

When I’m in no pain, I’m so alive.
I hate my face when I take my pills.
I’ll live this way and I will until I’m gone.

But I’m okay. The topics change. I’ll be so great. I’m on my way.

It feels like rain when ever I flare.
On cloudy days I become aware.
Rain comes and goes, but when it comes, it likes to rot.

music and lyrics by jordan sweeney

[youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NlTApl_Zhlc&feature=related]

In The Dark

I’m in the dark. I’m freezing.
The ghost is in my skin.
I’m paranoid, I’m fleeting. The stars are my light.
It’s dim, and I need more light.
Can I breathe tonight?

Is this me, my life?
Is there a reason for pain all night?
Will I be alright?

I’m in the boring season. It seems like no one’s here.
But all around is reason to live.
It’s only fear that pulls the trigger.
Will this last forever?

It’s time to see inside.
Is there medication that’s right?
Will I be alright?

I don’t want this. Please take this back.
God, I’m so scared. It’s time to relax.
Twenty seconds left for this time.
Will the next one hurt more? I’m fine. Why not?

music and lyrics by jordan sweeney

These posts might also help out:

• April 25, 2009 -- Therapeutic Art Sessions (9)
• February 1, 2009 -- Healing Art (2)
• January 10, 2009 -- Remaining Positive, (0)