TMI FTW: Why I Need to Show You What's Been Ravaging My Body

...with "loss of control" .. that's exactly what blogging gives me.. the only control I have over this crappy situation. and OUCH with teh shoulder!
Politics & News Contributing Editor
Erin Kotecki Vest ( http://queenofspainblog.com/ )

Actually the tumor was another bloggers... I have an auto-immune disorder that's been giving me infections from my stomach to my pelvis causing all sorts of fun things like colitis and diverticulitus and an inflamed uterus that can't seem to recover from all the infection. Fun times!
Politics & News Contributing Editor
Erin Kotecki Vest ( http://queenofspainblog.com/ )

and it was wonderful. So much support helped me a ton!
Politics & News Contributing Editor
Erin Kotecki Vest ( http://queenofspainblog.com/ )

I started my blog two years with the idea of using it for weight loss support. I have MS, but didn't like to talk about it too much.

But then I fell and shattered my shoulder, something totally separate from the MS, and my blog went in a whole different direction. It almost became All Shoulder, All the Time. Bandages, scars, graphic surgery details, you name it.

It was how I coped with the loss of control, the stunning impact this injury has had on my life and the comical aspects of the whole ordeal. Including my crush on my surgeon, Dr. Wonderful. Hubba hubba. lol

I also came more out of the MS closet, but still feel self conscious about complaining "too much". We are socialized as girls not to complain, not to make a fuss, not to call attention to ourselves. But all our blogs, really, say "Look at me!!". and for some of us it is "Look at me, this is SOOOO hard!!". That is an extra taboo in the way I was raised, even though it is true.

After three surgeries, including a partial shoulder replacement, I can still barely use my arm and I am in constant pain. My blog is where I go to cry on other, you got it, shoulders.

Thanks for this post Erin. I'm sorry you've been so terribly sick. I will keep you in my prayers. Hang in there. :)

Marie

www.nourishourselves.blogspot.com ( http://www.nourishourselves.blogspot.com )

www.theshorebookworm.blogspot.com ( http://www.theshorebookworm.blogspot.com )

And "FML" is "f*** my life" ;)

I really do think that's it. I've had issues with employers because of it, as well. Having to go to the bathroom too much was seen as goldbricking rather than illness.

Erin,
You make me want to share my recent endoscopy and colonoscopy pics with you! How insane is that? I can't believe you had that tumor. Was it on the inside or outside of your colon? I've had many tests done and NO ONE can diagnose my upper abdominal pain. I did scopes because it didn't include radiation. But the next step is a CAT scan. I've had this pain for 7 months. I hope it's just an abdominal or possibly an umbilical hernia. Yikes. Thanks for sharing. And what in H%#* is oversharing? It's the Internet for crying out loud. That's why we come here, because most people in real life aren't there day and night to hear us out they way our online posse does. Ha.

Do your thing lady! BRAVA! People want real life, "real" bloggers, they want a "realness" to things, an authenticity so to speak. In my book you can't be anymore real about who you are and what life is dealing you then putting what you are comfortable in putting out there. So I say... GOOD FOR YOU!

Like you, I underwent a different kind of surgery - a thyroidectomy July of last year, I blogged about it, did my Monday Mingles about it, showed my scar, talked about the ugly side effects etc.. and the response, even now, blows me away. My story was not just "my story" it was a lot of peoples story too. Together, this band of thyroid deficient ladies took up arms, and blogs, and email, and text messages to see each other through. Never in a million years did i see that coming, yet color me happy 'cause I am glad it did.

One blog author/writer/personality does not make all; and just like the TV or the radio; if you don't like it - click on to something else. Just that easy.

But I do wonder.... "keeping it real" and "being real" are two different things; one hopes that most will know the difference.

I stand and applaud you for making it through your surgery, recovering strong and doing all you can for yourself to ready yourself for the next step.

You are being real and I appreciate you for that.

~Wheresoever you go, go with all your heart~

LiveLaughLoveCj

For the Win!

Yay, thank you :)

~Margaret

Just Margaret ( http://maurhoffbarney.blogspot.com )

I agree. And I plan to keep talking about it!

Politics & News Contributing Editor
Erin Kotecki Vest ( http://queenofspainblog.com/ )

Politics & News Contributing Editor
Erin Kotecki Vest ( http://queenofspainblog.com/ )

Now I'm fascinated by your armpit

Politics & News Contributing Editor
Erin Kotecki Vest ( http://queenofspainblog.com/ )

Politics & News Contributing Editor
Erin Kotecki Vest ( http://queenofspainblog.com/ )

Even if there is one woman who says "ME TOO!" it was worth it!
Politics & News Contributing Editor
Erin Kotecki Vest ( http://queenofspainblog.com/ )

Politics & News Contributing Editor
Erin Kotecki Vest ( http://queenofspainblog.com/ )

And I'm not sure what I'd do without it.

Politics & News Contributing Editor
Erin Kotecki Vest ( http://queenofspainblog.com/ )

Politics & News Contributing Editor
Erin Kotecki Vest ( http://queenofspainblog.com/ )

Thanks so much for sharing! I think you identified the true issue in your reply to victorias_view: lady parts and poop. It seems to me that in our culture, lady parts are only to be talked about in a sexual way--add bodily functions (e.g., periods, gastro-intestinal issues, lactation, etc.) and a line is crossed.

Keep talking!! Let's reclaim our bodies in all their disgusting glory!

www.precariousproperty.com ( http://www.precariousproperty.com )

Only the lucky women escape some sort of run-in with gynecological surgery in their lifetime. Having experienced three miscarriages that required D&Cs, assorted biopsies of my cervix and upcoming biopsies of my uterus, it is comforting to have an online community to share with. Share away! We want to know how you are faring - hopefully much better by BlogHer10!

Carol Lynn

Pop and Ice

I am all about staying true to your own comfort zone.
it's what makes you.... you!
i have pictures of some NASTY stuff!
my tonsils....
after surgery....
on a tray....
next to a ruler....
because they were HUGE!!!!

i have pictures of the packing stringing out of a hole in my armpit after they sliced it open.... my very HAIRY armpit... with packing coming out.... looked like a small umbilical cord... and.... well, how many people can say that about their armpits in their lifetime? i didn't want to take for granted, lifting my arm up over my head, because when i had the lump under my arm, i COULDN'T lift my arm....

i think you SHOULD talk about what's going on with your body.
it helps bring up more questions....
i know some people have weak stomachs and cannot find the interest in the "gross" stuff.... but i think it's fascinating!!!!

I mean really. I watch a lot of TLC and have seen WAY MORE than my fair share of innards. Your innocent TMI pics? I didn't bat an eyelash at them. We were worried about you and wanted to know how things were progressing. The pictures came off as an update and an intimate peek into your condition rather than a "Hey look at these pictures of my guts! Don't they make you want to barf?!?" kind of way.
Pictures like that are nothing new in today's society.
Somer blogs at Merry Wife of Canon ( http://www.merrywifeofcanon.com ) as well as Smell My Plate ( http://www.smellmyplate.com ).

I am definitely a TMI Queen. There has been many a time when I have left a grocery store and said, "Oh boy Jyn- did she NEED to know about her placenta?" But what I have found through all of this and the fact that time and time again I cannot hold back myself from informing mothers is that, my TMI-ness is not from a lack of sensitivity or because I do not recognize boundaries... it is because I REALLY DO CARE.
People need to see those things! I have physically birthed six children FROM MY BODY- I had my gall bladder removed at 7 1/2 mos of pregnancy with my first and I've been through things other people have not. Yes I know that it weirds some people out that I am capable of checking my own cervix to see how far dilated I am or that I bring up STDS in pregnancy because NO ONE wants to admit they are going through it, so they assume that they have no choices.
But let me tell you- I have touched enough people with the TMI topics and pictures that have changed their lives to make me continue. That is where my heart tells me to go. :)
Kudos to you!

-Jyn Meyer

Totally get where you're coming from. I shared the photos from my year old's endoscopy from the surgery waiting room via Facebook. It wasn't for shock factor. I knew some people were waiting for news and others simply wanted to offer support. Could I have done it without photos of Holli's stomach? Sure. But that wouldn't be nearly as much fun!

Lawyer Mama

http://lawyermama.com

http://momocrats.typepad.com

http://dcmetromoms.com 

gets really grossed out over just talking about bodies. I should show her these photos. /evilmother

The wonderful thing about the internet is that we don't have to follow each link recommended to us, we don't have to look at every picture someone asks us to, and we don't have to read every blog entry known to womankind.

People have choices on this information highway, just like in real life. If they don't like reading your TMI posts or seeing your insides, then maybe they should just pass this time around.

Do it lady, some of us, including me, love hearing how strong, beautiful women battle through hard times, with a sense of humour and with grace. It makes me feel like if YOU can deal with this, I can deal with the stuff in my life. Virtual support network.

Sending good thoughts your way on your upcoming surgery. You're not alone..hugs on the way. (virtual ones of course)

I think that the beauty of the internet is that when something doesn't suit the reader or viewer, it's easy enough to just scroll down or click onto something else. As for oversharing? I have learned a few valuable lessons in life: First, secrets suck. Keeping things in when you don't want to also sucks. And, everyone's sharing threshold is different.

Being in a place where you are unable to talk about (or in some cases even acknowledge) an issue/experience/concern/etc. that is having a major impact on your life means that you are in a very lonely place. And that's no good.

Putting this out there--your photos, your fascinating innards, your feelings, your experiences--It's a win-win: You feel better for sharing it--as you said, it's part of who you are. And, readers feel better, less alone, because you put it out there.

How can that be a bad thing?
If it's TMI, scroll, and move on...

~Margaret

Just Margaret ( http://maurhoffbarney.blogspot.com )

P.S. I am a dork--What does "FTW" mean? While we're at it, could someone clue me in on "FML", too?

My doctor told me and I've already forgotten.

I'd fail an anatomy test.

Politics & News Contributing Editor
Erin Kotecki Vest ( http://queenofspainblog.com/ )

That people even know what they're looking at well enough to be grossed out. I mean - I have NO idea what is in those photos (and that's a good thing!) so how could I be bugged that you posted them? I'd be saying, "EWWWWWW!" to what exactly (don't tell me, remember?)?

Whatever it takes, Erin, whatever it takes.

Jill Writes Like She Talks ( http://www.writeslikeshetalks.com )

In The Arena: Jill Miller Zimon, Pepper Pike City Council Member ( http://jillmillerzimon.blogspot.com )

I want pigtail braids please

Politics & News Contributing Editor
Erin Kotecki Vest ( http://queenofspainblog.com/ )

ewww.

But in all honesty if it helps to post it... POST IT... but ew ;)

Politics & News Contributing Editor
Erin Kotecki Vest ( http://queenofspainblog.com/ )

puke becomes harder to deal with not easier. True story!

I totally checked out your innards. You make guts look sexy. ;)

I've known a few people with IBD, it was very rough on them and not always something they wanted to share with people. Though I agree that its good to talk about it, because it helps to get through it and know that you aren't alone.

Hey, us sickos that like your innards are here for you. We'll ooh and ahh over your photos and hold your hand. I get dibs on braiding your hair though. I CALLED IT FIRST!

But seriously, good luck with your surgery. :)

I've been told to sit down and shut up more times than I can count. Do I shut up? No. Though I considered it a few times. But you're right: these are the reasons we blog and tweet and share with the blogosphere. The community that envelopes us, that holds us up when we're tired of holding ourselves up. Times have changed and the support of large numbers as a finger click away. Why would you avoid support? Exactly.

Wishing you the best on your next surgery. I, for one, am not grossed out. Then again, I'm not easily grossed out. Except with puke. So don't post puke pictures. Or really tell stories about puke. You'd think as a Mom that would have changed. Nope.

Jenna Hatfield (@FireMom ( http://twitter.com/FireMom )), from Stop, Drop and Blog ( http://stopdropandblog.com ) and The Chronicles of Munchkin Land ( http://thechroniclesofmunchkinland.com ), is a freelance writer and newspaper photographer.

Is that still taboo?

Politics & News Contributing Editor
Erin Kotecki Vest ( http://queenofspainblog.com/ )

I don't think people talk enough about IBD. And as Denise point out many people quietly suffer. I've watched several of my family members suffer from chron's disease and it was important for them to get it off their chest. A clostomy bag is no picnic in the park.

So, please share, take photos,tweet, blog, and bring these issues to light. People don't talk about it enough.

Good Luck with your next surgery and I hope you start to feel better soon! Parenting and Politics topics are always here. Your number one priority is your health.