Tattoo by Josh Stumpf at Skyline Tattoo
Little Falls MN, April 2017
Back in 2011, I started having “embarrassing” health issues. I began doctoring and became a mystery of what was wrong with me. I was diagnosed with Idiopathic Constipation, Pelvic Floor Dysfunction, and overall trauma to my body from giving birth to my two sons and then other surgeries.
After two years of doctoring, and awful tests/procedures, doctors told me my colon died. I couldn’t go to the bathroom. In May 2013, I had a colon resection at the University of Minnesota and spent two weeks in the hospital. I had many complications only to find out surgery did not work. I still couldn’t go to the bathroom. I struggled for months because I couldn’t eat without having severe pain, not able to go to the bathroom. I struggled with weight. The way I looked and felt took a toll on me physically, emotionally, and mentally. I became very depressed and had no desire to do anything.
In December 2013, I had to have my entire colon and most of my small intestine removed. It was the hardest thing I ever faced. I spent a week in St. Cloud Hospital and was discharged home with Home Health Care. It effected my entire life. I cried every day for a month. My body changed but so did my entire life.
I couldn’t stand the way I looked. I’ve always taken pride in the way I look. I work out, walk, bike, ate right, and it all changed.
After three years, I needed a distraction. I decided I wanted to get a tattoo to make me feel better and hope others would focus on something besides my stomach. I ended up getting 4 tattoos. The one I am offering is my most meaningful.
It’s an anchor with a lotus flower. I needed something to remind me of my strength and new beauty. Anchors and lotus flowers are not the most beautiful—from what they are and where they come from. But they represent something strong and something to become. I‘ve felt so alone and so down—tattoos lift my spirit and make me feel important and find my beauty again.
I do believe every tattoo has a story—Good and bad, happy and sad.
I still struggle every day but I hope by sharing my story, I can help others feel better, and mostly make me feel stronger. I’ve never shared my story with anyone. Few people know about my journey. Thank you.