Hi Kirsty, 

i can't imagine what you are going through but I'm so glad that you have been brave enough to reach out … you've taken your first step ..Well done you ..

Its good that you are able to identify your fears perhaps now you can start to face them ️ :) some suggestion might be to start journaling ..write down you worries and fears and then perhaps try and put them in order ie prioritise what you fear most to what you fear least..breaking it down to smaller pieces will help you to feel less overwhelmed..there is nothing that you can’t overcome you just have to believe in yourself and take small steps, realise that you will have set backs & that’s ok you just pick yourself back up & start again… perhaps you could think of setting your alarm to half an hour for a few nights then an hour & build up ..being exhausted from broken sleep is exhausting without everything else you are struggling with …meanwhile 

contact your stoma nurse, if your not such who they are just contact the hospital & they will tell you, they are a great source of knowledge hints & tips on how to manage your stoma & will support you through this..

next have you any family fiends, partner to go to these appointments with you? That might help a lot ..otherwise a) some hospitals will have people that can sit with you during appointments and when people are contacting you or when you attended tell the staff how scared you are…you’d be amazed how many people are scared indeed terrified of needles it’s a very common fear and staff will help you though it if you tell them…have that on your list ‘to reach out & tell staff of my fears’ 

Have you tried relaxation techniques ?? There are lots of 10 minute relaxation, anxiety, coping strategy’s etc have a look round see is any of them resonate with you 

don’t try to hard or to many things at one ..small baby steps is the key to success..remember sometimes just breathing is enough for one day & that’s ok 

wishing the very very best Kirsty, it’s so important that you keep these appointments so no fear is worth your life and you can do this..believe in yourself :)x

This is beautiful thanks for taking the time x

This is beautiful thanks for taking the time x