Why This Exists
About Me
Frameworks
- The Strength After Surgery Framework
Journal
Contact

Why This Exists
About Me
Frameworks
- The Strength After Surgery Framework
Journal
Contact

Journal

Living with a stoma stories. This journal is a living record of recovery.

This is a space for honest reflection on training, healing, setbacks, progress, and the realities of rebuilding life after surgery. Some entries are practical. Others are personal. All are written in real time, without polish or performance.

The purpose of this journal is not instruction, comparison, or motivation. It’s transparency. and this space exists to reflect that truth openly and without judgement.

You may find reassurance here. You may find perspective. You may recognise your own experience in the words. Or you may simply find comfort in knowing that you’re not navigating this path alone.

Entries are dated and shared as they arise. There is no schedule. No expectation. Just an honest account of learning to live, move, and rebuild strength with patience and respect.

Latest Journal Entries

Day 152 of 365. Monday 1st June. Workout 149 of 2026. Day 234 Post Haartmans Surgery

Today was a transition day. After yesterday’s food-filled adventure around Utrecht, I woke up carrying what can only be described

June 1, 2026

May 2026: Strength, Recovery and Wellbeing After Surgery

May was probably my most important month since surgery, not because of any single workout or personal best, but because

May 31, 2026

Day 151 of 365. Sunday 31st May. Workout 147 of 2026. Day 231 Post Hartmann’s Surgery.

Utrecht Last night’s metrics painted a picture of significant fatigue. Just 4 hours and 38 minutes of sleep, a 22%

May 31, 2026

Day 150 of 365. Saturday 30th May. Workout 146 of 2026. Day 230 Post Hartmann’s Surgery.

Today was a reminder that progress is not always measured by heavier weights, faster times, or bigger numbers. Sometimes progress

May 30, 2026

Day 149 of 365. Friday 29th May. Workout 145 of 2026. Day 229 Post Hartmann’s Surgery

Today was a reminder that recovery can still feel productive, meaningful, and deeply enjoyable when approached with intention. I woke

May 29, 2026

Day 133 of 365 – Landmine Press / Bench Press

13th May 2026 Single arm landline press x7 each arm with a weight of 60kg. Smith Flat Bench Press –

May 14, 2026

Day 126 of 365 – Kettlebell Combo

6th May 2026 A workout consisting of: Swing – clean – squat – press x5 reps on both sides.

May 14, 2026

Day 123 of 365 – Pull Ups

203 Days Post-Surgery – 3rd May 2026 I said to my fife, Julie, and the boys in Egypt last year

May 8, 2026

April 2026: Building Strength and Capacity After Surgery

April was the month where everything started to connect. Not just recovery. Not just rebuilding. Not just proving that I

April 30, 2026

Day 117 of 365 – Monday 27th April

Workout 113 of 2026. Day 198 Post Hartmann’s Surgery Today was a really solid session, especially considering where my body

April 30, 2026

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Disclaimer

The information shared here is intended to support understanding, reflection, and confidence during recovery. It is based on lived experience and general principles, not individual diagnosis or medical advice.

Every recovery is different. Bodies heal at different rates, and circumstances vary. Use what you find here as guidance rather than instruction, and always listen to your own body and the advice of your medical or healthcare team.

If something doesn’t feel right, pause. Rest is not failure, and moving more slowly is still moving forward.

This site exists to support your judgement not replace it.

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