Things I Want To Do When I've Recovered From Surgery | Hannah Witton

[@AndrewPowerTower]

I misheard "crack my back fully" as "crap my bag fully", took me a moment. Both seem like reasonable goals.

[@emilylarge71]

Hannah Witton I just had surgery and now I have. A stoma and watching your videos help yet I still have so many questions I’m trying so hard...to accept it. But it’s sooooooo difficult due to my self image.

[@AnnieBananie712]

Hannah! When booking a Massage ask if the therapist will do a side lying session for you. Very common for pregnancy sessions and other conditions like yours where you are concerned about lying on your stomach . Plus they usually hold you up with a million pillows and it’s super cozy and comfortable! ❤️your friendly neighborhood Massage Therapist

[@lemonlemonster]

Another massage therapist here and came down to the comments to say just that!

[@astrix5585]

Hi Hannah, my brother is deaf so he goes to the disabled area when he goes to festivals. The loos are much better and you can park your car next to your tent etc. You can bring someone along with you as your designated "carer" if your friend is not in any way disabled. My brother goes to Latitude every year, and the disabled area is super close to the festival arena, which is actually pretty cool. Hope you are ok!

[@djoyplans]

hey hannah! there's a lovely lady on instagram called sophie mayanne (@sophiemayanne) who has a photography project called 'behind the scars' which aims to photograph people and their scars and tell the story behind them. it's based in london and she holds monthly photoshoots with the aim of creating a book with 1000 people and their scars in. thought this could be something you're interested in :)

[@vildekm]

Daisy Heyes yessss! +++

[@andyhartley]

That Manc accent is well and truly back! Woooop!

[@maddy78912]

I was in the ICU with sepsis for 2 weeks and afterwards I was very weak, I'd had a collapsed lung and had to have surgery, so I understand about the whole 'mundane goals' thing. I remember being really excited when I was strong enough to stand up in the shower and wash my hair.

[@GraceKirkby]

I used to work in festival field hospitals and there were plenty of punters managing well with stoma bags 😊 I’m pretty sure they got access to certain accessible showers that are kept clean etc. they had a plenty of hygiene supplies with them and there was always the field hospital open 24/7 if anything was a concern xx

[@zebedeesummers4413]

Hey, mind explaining what a festival means in this context? I live in the states and I'm not sure it means quite the same here. Is it sort of like camping or?

[@jumpincows]

She means music festival - think Coachella. And yes there is usually camping :)

[@zebedeesummers4413]

Thank you, I had to good you Coachella but this all seems pretty cool. I gotta learn more about this so thanks for that. (sorry for responded two days after)

[@littlegrabbiZZ9PZA]

From a more nerd end of the spectrum: The Chaos Communication Congress and other such events are also very accessible like that. We'll do our utmost to make everyone able to attend, and if you need surgery, we actually have a basic OR on site.

[@bobbinalongwithmamy9283]

Download have a disability camp where they have the toilets cleaned everyday and restricted access. And you get into the disability sections at the stages. I don’t know if other festivals do this but download do 👍🏻 I also recommend Glasgow for a few nights away 👌🏻 cheap and cheerful 👌🏻

[@miraaa19]

I've been to the hostel in Glasgow recently and it's really lovely! The people that work there are super friendly and organised and the whole vibe is very homely :) It's on top of a hill right by the edge of a park so you get a great view over the city! The best place I've been there was The Stand, a comedy club in the West End, really cozy and great entertainment 😄

[@bobbinalongwithmamy9283]

Luisa H I’m from the west of Scotland so I’m only like 40 ish minutes away from Glasgow and I genuinely wouldn’t change it(although I might be a bit biased) The night life is great there is loads of cultural stuff you can see. Everything you want really. I’m glad you enjoyed your time here 😁

[@miraaa19]

Amy McCluskey Some people I spoke to were surprised that I wanted to go there but I genuinely enjoyed it and I'm definitely coming back :)

[@jatcod24sci]

My wife has had quite a few surgeries some major but most minor. (From open heart, pacemaker repairs and replacements, gall bladder and appendix removal, cardiac and pancreatic stents, all the way down to kidney stone removal.) We call her scars "speed bumps." Let your body heal in it's own time. Everyone recovers at a different rate and some things will never be as they used to. My wife often repeats herself and it is nothing more than a side effect of her being on the heart lung bypass for so long. My one and only surgery was three stitches in the Emergency room after I lost a fight with a table saw. Take care and cross those things off your list one at a time.

[@orangebrownie]

Dear Hannah, having had way too many big surgeries myself, I just wanted to leave you a little note of encouragement (alongside a big hug) to be patient with your body and give yourself as much time as you need, while trying not to get frustrated with how long it can actually take. Healing is a tough job and you can be fairly certain that your body is already working at it’s top possible speed. So give it not just some but one hell of a giant box of credit. To me, the way you handle all of this mentally is a reflection of the power house and wonderful person that you are. Big hug. Stay strong.

[@FacPhoto]

Lists and goals are a good thing. I had a Panproctocolectomy and have an iliostomy. I spent 9 months in hospital and was 7 stone (6’ 3” tall) and my recovery took 6 months-1 year. I had to learn to walk again. Since 2008 I have been a photographer in the Premier League, Photographer at concerts and festivals. Learnt to play Bass, gigged, recorded. The world is still your oyster and having a goal helps. I can hear in your voice that you are scared and unsure about the future. I was scared stiff. Speak to your peers who have experienced this and your life will take off... I’m 10 years in and it’s part of me now. All the best Hannah, you got this girl! Own it.. 🙂

[@ShaynainShambles]

I adore how dedicated you are to destigmatizing and normalizing the idea of a stoma and all other forms of diverse bodies

[@ginkgoghost]

I had corrective jaw surgery when I was 15 which went sideways during the operation resulting in my mouth being wired shut for 6 weeks when it should have just been rubber banded shut for 2. I remember also making lists of food I wanted to eat, I believe the top three were pancakes, ravioli, and burritos. But even after the wires came out I could only open my mouth one-two centimeters bc my jaw muscles were shot, so I had to cut my pancakes and ravioli up into tiny tiny bites and couldn't eat a burrito except with a fork which was not satisfying!!! Burritos aren't as good when you can only eat them one bean at a time. That feeling of wanting and then not being able to fully actualize it when the time comes is so frustrating!!! So I hope you can crack your back all the way soon lol

[@xzonia1]

So true! When I want to crack my back and can't, I crack my knuckles instead and it does relieve some of that frustration for me. It's psychological, I guess. :)

[@sarahpettingill8080]

Don't pressure yourself rest as much as you need it all takes time. Don't be too worried about your memory your body is flat out repairing once your feeling super you should find the brain fog will go away ❤️❤️❤️

[@tomchaney6085]

It's honestly inspiring how able you are to speak not just openly but positively about something that's been so painful and restrictive

[@ryantrue4844]

So cool to see how confident about everything you are. Helps others be more confident in things

[@CH-fo4fj]

It’s so nice for you to talk about the mental problems with being unwell, when I had a bad UC flare, nobody could understand why I would rather just sit and look at the wall rather than a conversation or watching a film because my concentration was just shot!

[@mini0001]

Only word I can think to describe you is “inspiring” 💜 wish you a speedy recovery

[@annabelcruse7687]

After my appendix was removed i remember being so happy that i could wear skinny jeans again as the scar was exactly on the waist band so i couldnt wear tight clothes. That was probably the best feeling ever

[@syncope89]

For me the biggest little success I had was when I could walk from my car to my office again without getting winded or having to sit down for a rest. It took months but I nearly cried when it finally happened and I saw myself slowly returning. You can do it! It takes time but once it's all passed you it is such an amazing feeling.

[@odalissk]

I've learnt about your channel from the Guardian and I am in awe of how Education, on sex, on health, on openness, is taking over youtube. You are light in the darkness of those strange times.

[@abiroad]

I had a stem cell transplant just over 2 years ago and I couldn't read books or do more than an hour or so of work at a time without completely crashing... this week I handed in my 12000 word undergrad dissertation. You'll get there, and when you do it'll mean so much more than it ever did before! 😊

[@Dixavd]

I think your northern dialect has become a little more pronounced since surgery which means you must have spent a long time with your family so that's at least a positive. ❤️

[@kendallm8331]

Years ago I broke my leg and had to have surgery to repair it, as well as be in a cast/walking boot for like 6 months, so I totally get the whole mundane goals thing. I remember feeling so happy the first time I was able to walk unassisted from one side of my bedroom to the other that I started crying. 😂 It’s honestly the little things that can make you the happiest. Good luck with your recovery, be patient with yourself and don’t forget to celebrate the smaller victories! ❤️

[@emilyh735]

It is so lovely to see someone else's list! I have a chronic illness (POTS/dysautonomia due to a viral reaction) which causes me to pass out after standing up or after standing for extended periods of time. I remember, once I started treatment, the first time I was able to stand on the bus and didn't need to ask for a seat. It was only a 10-minute trip, but I felt like I had conquered the world. It has been around a year since that trip, but every once in a while the surprise of how far my body has come hits me all over again. I hope your recovery will be just as satisfying!

[@Smartiesruletheworld]

I think its great to have goals as long as you take your time and listen to your body. As someone who's been chronically ill for 14 years the most important thing is to listen to your body, sleep when it tells you too and don't push too hard. Remember even if you hadn't hard surgery it would have taken a long time to recover from how poorly you were, so adding surgery to that it's going to take time. You will enjoy everything more having had it taken away. I was completely housebound for 18 months and although I've been able to get out for a few years now the novelty of being outside on a sunny day hasn't worn off! Hope your recovery continues and you get to achieve your goals xxx

[@nicktheveganchick]

Jenny Patterson Very good advice.

[@DystopianOverture]

Agreed! I have Fibromyalgia on year 2 of diagnosis, and boy learning to be slower and more relaxed around goals and living is hard as hell, and I’m still struggling with it.

[@LuminousRose29]

This video is everything I love about you. Confidence. Honesty. Considering your privilege. Thoughtfulness. Urghh Hannah you are wonderful ❤️❤️ Keep being you, gal ❤️❤️

[@gingersal8052]

Watching this in hospital after surgery (a completely different one) I made a mundane to do list too and yes it would mean so much to do these again :-) thank you years later for sharing your experience, feels very comforting.

[@olympiaunwin4475]

As someone who has had seven surgeries and on to my second stoma I find the three month mark is where you really start to fully recover. Putting yourself into normal situations like going to a party even if its only for an an hour or so really helps speed up recovery. You'll find each week you'll accomplish little things that will have a huge impact. I love that you're sharing your journey with your audience, I have massive love for you xx

[@kaylasavard8087]

This probably won't be seen as I just came across this video and the comments are a week old, but I think it is so great that you're making these and showing people the positive side of such a seemingly scary subject. I had ulcerative colitis from ages 14-25 (for me it constituted about 3-4 month-long flares a year, and at the end basically just 2 straight years of misery), then had my surgery this past October, and my quality of life now is a million times better than its been since I was a teenager. Without exaggeration, getting an ostomy quite literally saved my life, and its just wonderful to see someone with a large platform have a positive outlook on their future stoma-life as well. As for some of the items on your list, I'm almost 6 months post-op and I feel pretty much normal at this point, and have felt this way for the last ~2-3 months. After 2-3 months, my abdominal pain had pretty much faded away, and it was at that time that I finally found the golden combination of products to make my time between changes be ~10 days instead of 3-4 (and with healthier peristomal skin as well!). If you're able to get to that point, you can definitely go to a 5 day festival :) As for travel, I've flown a few times with the bag (for the first time after like 6 weeks) and I haven't had any issues at all - but one tip: empty your bag RIGHT before you go through security so you won't be pulled aside and patted down! I've already written an essay, though there's plenty more advice I could probably hand over if you're interested, but for now I'll close out and say: best of luck!

[@rachelmonday2907]

I have a very very mild case of IBD and the idea of a stoma and a bag has had me petrified my whole life. But listening to you talk about it and your experiences and just how you explain it, it makes it not seem as bad and as scary of a thing. I love that you said that Mona has no nerve ending so you can’t feel anything when you touch her. That was one of my biggest fears that you’d be able to feel when something touches it and it would be painful and tender when putting bags on it. Thank you so much for educating so many people.

[@nathalie12890]

Hannah I thought this video was really touching and sweet. When I was on disability for a back injury I DEFINITELY made lists of all the things I wanted to do when I got better. I even applied for graduate school while I was out of work, and wrote my personal statement essays about my back problems. Getting that first acceptance letter meant everything, and it gave me something to look forward to, even through some mini-relapses along the way. Progress is rarely, if ever, perfectly linear, and some days will just be harder than others. The most important thing you can do is take care of yourself and put your health first, which it definitely seems like you're doing. Best wishes on your recovery!

[@pnicolosi78]

I had surgery to remove a tumor from my spinal column. 11 and a 1/2 hours of surgery. Greatest thing that made me feel normal again was being able to drive on my own and not have to rely on people taking me places. Felt very liberating.

[@thewelshdm]

I love this idea, I didn't do it after my shoulder surgery, but looking back there were definitely moments which defined the recovery. Like being able to sleep flat again, being able to put a t-shirt on that wasn't 3 sizes too big, being able to write again. Hope you recover quickly and can do all of them soon, especially the gigs, love a good gig in the middle of everything

[@tillycarsons4288]

I love your content right now! Excuse the pun but you have gone through such a shit situation but you remain so positive and it's so admirable xx

[@lucyalexandra.]

Tilly Carsons me too😉

[@tillycarsons4288]

I love all these list type videos too...I have a habit of writing many lists! xx

[@ericglover9594]

Take it easy on recovery. Don't pickup heavy objects. Your body will tell you when you over do it. Mine took 8-12 wks full recovery but stomach muscles took months. I have stage 4 colon and liver cancer. Terminal. Thanks for your video.

[@danielnewill8126]

Every star has a moment in which it light dimmers, however it still brightens enough to represent its cause. Have a speedy recovery.

[@DystopianOverture]

I totally feel you on achieving the small things that abled people take for granted. I am chronically ill with Fibromyalgia (a nerve disorder that means I’m in pain all the time), and just getting chores done or going to college (I’m part time on two days a week) is glorious and a big deal for me.

[@TheLionsInLuv]

My brother has UC and is thinking of having a stoma. I just wanted to say thank you thank you thank you for being such a great ambassador for people with stomas. It helps demystify the whole process and normalise it. You are incredible and super inspiring. I am wishing you all the best in recovery.

[@emilyoconnell1299]

I broke my arm about 10 months ago and had to have surgery to put two titanium plates in my forearm, which was pretty rough. There were a couple little things that made me super happy, like being able to rotate my wrist around enough to comfortably push a shopping trolley or bring able to plait my hair again. I also had a bit of nerve damage on my arm so lost sensation for a while which was super scary. And I remember walking around Aldi and touching my arm, suddenly realising i could feel it and literally jumping for joy. Recovery from surgery takes a long time, especially mentally and I'm still not there. But we'll all get there in the end, hang on there gal 💕💕💕

[@bookseatnerds]

This girl I follow online managed a festival with a stoma but it was only a three day one so she was away from home for two nights. Basically how she handled it was by having disabled access to larger toilets within the venue but cleanliness wise she basically had a bag full of gauze, saline spray, gloves and multiple plastic mats she used. They had a decent sized tent so when it came to changing her stoma she basically just disinfected her makeshift surface and put the mat down before getting everything ready. Also another thing she had for more intense cleaning was a portable kettle which she boiled bottled water in and used her own personal flannel to give around her stoma opening a good clean again with some saline spray added in there. I dunno if it's much help but it's what I read on her blog ages ago couldn't find the post annoyingly!

[@MoreMegsimanic]

So I’m currently pregnant and found myself slightly amused when you were listing the things you can’t or haven’t been able to do post surgery and how they seemed to match what I can’t do while pregnant. Alcohol no go, can’t stand for long periods, can’t open heavy doors... I realise the two experiences are very different of course.

[@xeshacinds]

You look so dewy and healthy in this video. It's lovely to see you being so positive about your recovery after all you've been through! I LOVE that the accent is back too, haha 💛

[@katib9032]

Hannah, I am currently four weeks post surgery and I relate so much! I too was told four to six weeks. Well, as far as four weeks go - no! I have trouble standing straight, lots of pain (internally), still not able to eat properly and the mental thing! I have no concentration whatsoever. Like one hour of conversation with friends and I am completely done. It feels good to know that you too needed more time (still I am so sorry this happened to you in the first place, of course). I wondered if I maybe am just too weak or something... Thank you for your openness! It is a huge help for me in this whole journey. Lots of love from Germany!

[@jtg8811]

My Everest after I had to have my elbow joint on my dominant arm totally replaced by metal thanks to an accident was putting my hair up into a hair tie. It probably took me 3 or 4 months, but it was the BEST feeling! That was five years ago and I still get excited for myself thinking about it! Recovery is a slow process, but it makes you appreciate the little things. There are still many things I can’t do safely, but even now I occasionally realize that I can do something that I hadn’t done in years and thought I never would be able to do again. In the scheme of things, you haven’t been in recovery that long and you’ve already come SO far! Excited to see you meet your goals and have your hair tie moment 😀

[@irynas.6904]

Hello Dear, I've watched your videos for months now and binge- watched a lot of them, but I've never commented anything yet. Just felt like telling you now that I really enjoy your content! You are such a positive person and your content is so smart and up-lifting! Love the fact that you're so confident!😊✌ Wishing you a good recovery! 💕 Greetings from Germany!

[@sh16072]

Hi Hannah, I had ovarian cancer and have a large scar up my abdomen. I know (partially anyway) how you feel with your core strength etc. but it is so lovely to see you so positive and patient. It can feel really slow now, but in years to come you'll be so happy with the patience you gave yourself. Best of luck xx

[@sh16072]

Also - if you haven't got a radar key, make sure to get access to one :)

[@meptalon]

I had intestinal surgery many years ago. They also told me approx. 3-5 months... It took me a year to feel really fully healed.

[@karenkoning2876]

Totally different surgery, but I was given 2 timelines, one for the 1st stage of recovery (to get back to work/most normal activities and another to be "fully recovered" (whatever that means). That last one was 1 year. It's helped me be a bit more realistic. I liked making lists too, but I found it was more helpful in the moment than long term. I didn't really check my list later on and I found when certain things to more or less time than I expected, the level of excitment was different, so my list would have changed. It's such a good thing to be hopeful about all your abilities coming back, so the list-making was still worth it. :)

[@greensteve9307]

General anesthetic does knock your body about! Took me 13 weeks to recover from a burst appendix.

[@aloveoflibraries]

Watching this from the hospital, no surgery for me but excited to have my full energy back and not spend all my time lying in bed! xoxo thank you for your awesome content, keep up the good work!

[@katherinehubert8600]

Hannah, your videos are SO inspiring to me. I have Crohn's and got a temporary ileostomy on Jan. 5, 2018 and totally understand what you are going through with the slow recovery. I've had a few complications: 3 blockages, 2 blood clots and one giant parastomal hernia, so I feel you girl. Hang in there, you got this! I think it's great that you have this list of goals and I think that I'm going to make one for myself. Your so brave and strong and if you ever need advice about IBD issues, feel free to ask! XoXo

[@hobbitandginger]

It seemed like this was a very difficult video for you to make, but I’m so glad you had the bravery and ability to express yourself so eloquently.. you put beautiful things into the world that need to be seen! You’re a true light

[@amymyers5999]

Patience is also not one of my virtues. It's SO HARD to wait for things!!

[@kristinmeeow8984]

I'm recovering from surgery as well, and I'm soo looking forwards to cracking my back too lol

[@ajayrious]

Very interesting list. I'm the same when I don't have any holidays planned I get so depressed. Planning holidays and other trips is how I cope with life. Oh and I would definitely try standing at a single gig before you commit to a whole festival.

[@amyg8176]

ajayrious saaaaame

[@lparrish89]

Walking up a flight of stairs was a big achievement for me following my appendectomy. It was only keyhole surgery but I got an infection and my recovery was delayed hugely. Luckily I could work from home and my company were super great about it!

[@Laz-Kay]

Recovery time is such an unpredictable and annoying thing. I had brain surgery a couple of years ago, and I’m still recovering from that now! I’m physically fine but I’ve been really mentally affected. I was told I’d be fine after around 6 months, but you can’t honestly put a timeframe on recovery from surgery because it’s so different for everyone. I too have so many goals I want to fulfil after I’m fully recovered, so this video really struck a lovely chord with me! You’re doing so brilliantly Hannah, and I applaud you 👏🏻💗

[@xzonia1]

Great point! I had back surgery in July 2009, and wasn't fully recovered from it until March of 2012 due to complications. Everyone is different.

[@larryborses8670]

Being tired takes months to come back to yourself... you will get there

[@Sallyseaweed]

Going to the supermarket felt like an enormous thing for me to do post op... I also had really bad memory problems and lack of concentration, my doctors said it was because of the general anaesthetic. It's so great to see you being so upbeat and confident in this situation!

[@annao5198]

There are special massage beds for pregnant people with at hole for the belly, maybe that can be something you can test?

[@emily-qe3yu]

Genius!!!

[@xzonia1]

They also make massage chairs so the masseuse can massage her neck, shoulders, and back while she's sitting up (but I don't know how far she'd have to lean forward and that might be an issue).

[@shannaashley11]

I had a pre-natal style massage about 6 or so weeks after surgery but once it got passed the 8-10 week mark I could lay on my stomach just fine! I would just recommend not eating too soon before, making taking some imodium type medicine or eating marshmellows to slow the output!

[@GooseyLooseyCaboosey]

Hannah glad your on the mend, I have been showing your videos to my daughters and they absolutely love you. Take care of yourself - Goosey

[@matejav9527]

I work with people that had this kind of surgery or any other kind of colon surgery. We help them with the recovery in a health resort (I think that’s how you say it in English). So what I want to say is, if a patient can’t lay on their stomach for a back massage, we preform the massage while they are sitting on a massage table. It’s not as comfortable as laying, because they cannot really relax the muscles completely, but it does the job. So you could ask a masseuse/masseur, if you can sit and not lay down for it. I hope that this helps somehow. I wish you a quick recovery and I hope that you will be able to fulfill all of your goals soon. 💕

[@jasoncromwell4206]

I am totally feeling you Hannah. I broke/ destroyed my right leg in February in an accident , and had to have immediate surgery. So I understand this. Good luck with your recovery.

[@CaitlinKJ]

I'm recovering from and eating disorder and I can relate to this. Although you know you need to rest and recover it's frustrating because you just want to get over or past this bit and do the fun stuff. Hope you're doing okay! x

[@TheBeautifulKind]

I'm stunned you had surgery recently and I saw you speak yesterday and you were impeccable! I wouldn't have known, so thank you for sharing your experience. It helps so many. Thank you for all the vlogging tips!

[@lauradonk5688]

I had the exact same surgery 6 weeks ago and today I'm going for my first swim! Way too excited :)

[@abrakhocus]

Myself I've had foot surgery. Just being able to finally stand up and walk again is wonderful.

[@LunaLoveheart]

Your attitude is so inspirational Hannah! I’ve had surgeries where I’ve spent months recovering too, including brain surgery, and surgery on my back and abdomen, and it really is so frustrating when you can’t do the things you could before. It really makes you realise how much the little things mean to you. I haven’t had surgery in 5 years now (touch wood) but I also remember missing swimming so much while waiting for the wounds to heal. At one point, I had a wound on the right hand side of my skull, on my back and the right hand side of my abdomen so I could only sleep on my left hand side for so long! It’s crazy the things you take for granted when you’re ‘healthy’! Now my health is good atm I can sleep in any position I want again, and I often catch myself taking it for granted haha. I’m wishing you a speedy recovery ❤️ x

[@TearsOfEternity]

Being able to sit up in a chair and stand up straight without holding my stomach are a couple of things that made me feel like I was recovering. I've had my stoma for just over a year and I still occasionally get phantom butt (really weird sensation, I agree). I'm really happy to see how well you're doing. :)

[@JesReally]

Your body and your brain are focusing their energy on healing your body, the extra sleep and decreased mental capacity definitely make sense! Just keep an eye on the improvements day to day, you’re doing amazing, you’re so inspiring and watching your journey calms a lot of the worries I have regarding my moms UC

[@bobmoss6857]

As you know, I went through this with my wife, As far as recovery from major surgery been through it, a couple times myself. You are doing fine and you are recovered when you say you are recovered. Only you know if you should already be doing something in your mind, you know whether you are not ready or just afraid. And I will share this you are one of the bravest young women I know of and if you find that you are just scared of some things,don't worry, we all of us get that way. When you see it, you will certainly know what to do.....Good luck and we are all right behind you...... Love you kid.........

[@TheAnimalLover199]

when i was recovering i was so happy when i could make it through the day without a nap, sleep on my side again, and run again. Dont worry about your recovery speed!!! it took me weeks just to have enough energy to walk to the fence and back, which was real hard knock for me since i'd just come back from a trip where i was walking for hours a day with a pack on my back. Its hard to cope with but you will get there

[@StrongImaginationA]

Oh Hannah you can absolutely get a massage! There are lots of places that offer neck- and shoulder massages you don't have to lie down for! Instead they do it while you're sitting up, either just like that or either you rest your face on a thing. Also I recommend looking into fasciatherapy for recovery; it's a form of massage that is used specifically for healing after surgery. Not everyone does it, but if you check out some osteopaths some of them will have followed the necessary course. It's a heavenly therapy if your body is too tender to withstand normal massages and it makes you feel more supple and stretchy and light.

[@amandahayworth4265]

Although I wasn't as sick as you, I had a bad back injury around the same time you were in the hospital. I can't believe how long it takes to recover from things like this! It really takes so long to recover. I just got to go to the gym for the first time yesterday, so it will happen for you too!

[@hannas.6177]

You did the photoshoot!! And it was AMAZING, you looked AMAZING!

[@clydeox2]

while i feel really bad you had to go through this, this video series has been fascinating and thank you for sharing your story!

[@SadieeeSweeet]

Hannah don’t beat yourself up! I would say I wasn’t 100% recovered until about 12 weeks after. That’s when I was back to do everything I did before like working full time and exercising.

[@thehedgehogwholived]

Yes then Hannah! a photoshoot is a great idea! I feel like I have a weird connection with people who have scars. I'm so used to mine that my brain accidentally photoshops my scar onto other people sometimes lol the stereotypes about being super self conscious about scars absolutely doesn't have to be true! glad you're recovering well :)

[@lauraroberts9]

All of your videos about your surgery and journey have taught me so much about this, I had no idea how many people this affected or what it entailed. Your positivity and transparency is so inspiring xxx

[@kellyteaford4181]

You are such a beautiful human, Hannah. I'm a long-time subscriber, but haven't watched a video in a while because of things going on in my own life, so I didn't know until today that you'd been in hospital or had surgery. I teared up watching this video. You inspire me with how optimistic and positive you're able to be even when life has thrown you a huge curve ball and not worked out the way you hoped. I hope to learn from your ability to deal with disappointment and major change with grace. Thank you for continuing to make videos through all of this. Thank you for giving your time and energy to us and for always being so real and so honest. Thank you ❤️

[@victoriaalarcon5634]

Loved this video! I didint go trough surgery, but this January I was mugged in the middle of the street in a very violent way. I was left with scars in my body and in my mind, and i've been going trough mental recovery. I celebrated to myself every time I could go out walking on my own without panicking, or that I could go out to crowded places, taking the public transport and going back to work. I think its awsome to set yourself those goals, becouse when you acconplish them it s a very fulfilling feeling, and it made me appretiate the little things that used to take for granted. The most important thing is to be patient with yourself. Thanks for everything you do! Sending you love and strength from Argentina!

[@ximenasamuda1756]

good luck can't wait for you to be better and get back on top of your game

[@LDJ27]

I’m currently recovering from a virus that made me ill for over a month, and this gave me motivation to create my own list too! And it’s great to see you feeling better 😊

[@PlethoraShae]

I love that you're sharing the journey to recovery. It doesn't happen all at once. In a world where we often only see the end result, I enjoy this glimpse into the process.

[@MichelleLElman]

Loved this! Going to a club was the biggest thing! Probably shouldn't have done it a week out of hospital but I did it with the promise that I would stay seated in the corner for the whole night. Also the first drink, my friends made a big night of it and it was really fun! Probs quite telling that I was in hospital when both those happened... priorities.

[@jeremyboggs72]

Miss Hannah. I had a 9 1/2 hour surgery almost a year and half ago. I still have a problem with laying on my stomach and my one side. My insides are just not what they were. And yes I made the list like you. Just take your time. Energy and mental stability is a most. I still have issues with both.

[@hannahj7094]

You’re looking and sounding so much stronger now. Thank you so much for your positivity! Also, I know you said you like your hair shorter but I think it looks really pretty this length as well. Best of luck with your recovery xx

[@timeajager7925]

Dear Hannah I hope you fully heal soon! There's this book from Amy Cuddy - Presence: Bringing Your Boldest Self to Your Biggest Challenges. Amy mentiones her experience with "preformance issues" after a big accident and recovery. She had kind of a similar experience; where she knew that her overall physical and mental capabilites lowered/changed after her accident. It affected here academic carrier and even her relationships. In the book you can read about it in more detail how she slowly started to get back on track and how she accepted that it's her new normal. She is so brave and persistent. It's a great book give it a read if you're intersted. Whising you the best! ❤️

[@ASiddig]

They taught as about phantom limb but not this 9:26. it's nice to learn medicine from you. :P Great video as usual.

[@karolysb5885]

Holly Molly! Girl!!!! the kind of inspiration you are bringing to this world is absolutely incredible! I’m sorry you are going through that but stay strong! Seems like a lot of people, me included, are rooting for ya! Much love from Vegas! 😘😘😘

[@samvansimpsen2770]

Just wanted to say, when you talked about the suntanning and the photoshoot all i could think was "She is such a badass!" seriously your confidence and bravery is inspiring! good luck with your list

[@alex-xt9sj]

I‘ll cross my fingers for your health (both physical and mental), Happy to see you again!

[@brandonedwards5620]

I can really relate to a lot of your videos and experiences suffering with UC myself. I would really like to get the surgery as life is at a halt and I’ve been suffering severely for two years. Thank you for being so honest and sharing your story, it’s great to see people like you taking back control of your life. Something I’m still yet to do but it is very inspirational and gives me hope for the future.

[@sellbythebell]

I hope for a quick recovery! I can't even imagine not being able to crack my back and neck. Also, I think your goals are great! Gives you something to strive for and an actual deadline for when you are fully recovered. You got this!

[@saraannefay2196]

You are doing so well, given what you've gone through. So many people, virtually every other person, would still be feeling so victimized, if they went through what you went through. Keep doing well and sharing your experiences. You are such a huge inspiration to all of us, your followers. I hope you get to do everything on your list very soon! Cheers!

[@Ellyn95]

When I was ten I had my second kidney transplant, and one of my most memorable moments was when I refused to move for the physio, but once left alone I got out of bed (two days post surgery) for the bag of quavers I dreamed of for two years! I remember writing these lists, and still do!

[@cecelialovescows]

you seem sooooo much more like yourself than you did in the first vid back after your surgery - seriously massive improvement, well done!! 🙌🏼

[@beckydavis3268]

Hannah you're doing such a great job of staying positive and yourself through everything that's happened. We're so proud of you! x

[@lucyandlila4726]

I don't have the kind of illness you can recover from, but when life improves and I've built up my strength as much as possible again, I'd love to do race for life again. Maybe I'll have to do it with a stick And take a lot of breaks, but I want to be able to do it.

[@Torsee]

Hannah, I have every confidence that you will knock this list out in no time! Your so positive, and that's half the battle! You ROCK!

[@arrowsandmoons2525]

From someone how works around events/festivals. You can get access for cleaner facilities if you contact the organisers. So it is really easy to organise so just contact the festival