08/07/2020
MY NAME IS HEIDI FRANCIS AND THIS IS MY STORY...
In October 2018 I was rushed into hospital after collapsing on a weekend away with my staff in sitges, Barcelona.
I had been suffering with awful tummy pains, massive weight gain, acute diarrhoea for years, but after having a heart operation as a little girl, I was so terrified of doctors, that I just wouldn't go and see if there was anything wrong with me. My lifestyle had also spiraled out of control, I was working ridiculous hours, as I run 3 businesses, and they were my constant focus. However my stress levels were very high alongside my blood pressure, and so to relax I would have a "wine or three", and ci******es. I suppose something had to give.
When I arrived at the hospital, they carried out a series of tests and scans, tried to give me exceedingly strong antibiotics to help the infection, but an abscess had erupted in my colon and was poisoning my body. The doctors prepared my family for the fact that I may not survive the operation as I was in such a bad way. Luckily I did! And after 4 days in intensive care, pneumonia, lung puncture and a month in hospital, I was eventually allowed home, me, my stoma and colostomy bag! My road to recovery was huge as I could barely walk further than a few steps, couldn't wash or dress myself, I had also developed a large infection in my scar, which had to be opened up and healed from the inside out, which involved going to the nurse everyday for 3 months to be cleaned and dressed, and also have injections in my tummy to help stop blood clotting. I had no help or support, no stoma information, noone to talk with to share my fears, luckily I speak spanish, but there is just no specialist help here in my area. My family were great, but they didn't understand, how could they? I didn't understand it myself. Embarrassingly my husband Chris changed my bag for me, as I couldn't bare to look at it, or accept this was how I had to live. It just revolted me. I was in constant pain, sleeping was uncomfortable, I tossed from side to side and fidgeted all night, causing Chris to have lots of sleepless nights too. If I walked too much it caused days of pain, if i swam, the same thing applied, if I sat too long the bottom of my back would be agony! And so on and on it went. I was 45, and I felt like 85. I couldn't return to my work, as I just wasnt capable of doing any of it, and so, as a result, I could feel my confidence sliding. I became more introvert, and my mental health was seriously suffering, my relationship with my husband was hanging on by a thread, and I really didn't know what to do, where to turn, or who to talk to.
To try and combat these feelings, I decided to focus on my home, I redecorated (with help), made beautiful flower and herb containers, cooked, read, visited lots of charity and second hand shops, where I bought things to decorate my rooms or patios,and I slowly got myself stronger and stronger. I was eventually able to focus on areas of my work, I'm a wedding florist and decorator, by answering emails, and designing and developing new ideas.
However, after spending day after day, week after week, pretty much on my own , it has made me want to try and help other people in a similar situation. So, I have decided to open my home here in Spain, for upto 6 people at a time, where people with ostomies can come, relax, laugh, swim without judgement, talk to one another, share their experiences with eachother, take part in cooking lessons focusing on healthy foods , massage without embarrassment, flower design classes to bring out peoples hidden talents, picnics on the beach, beginners yoga every morning, focusing on our core muscles, and a specislist paella and sangria masterclass. Days of pampering and fun. We will pick all our guests up from the airport and return them back to the airport, so they are on holiday from the minute they land!
