About

Who Am I?

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My Name is Kenneth Ferris, I am the oldest of four, I have three younger sisters, and they all are doing their thing in life..  I was born in Hong Kong and adopted when I was five.  My town was the epitome of "small" it houses one stop light and that wasn't added until I was probably eight years old.  Salemburg is definitely the town where everyone knows each other and keeps their doors unlocked at night.  I went to college in the mountains of North Carolina, Western Carolina University where I studied and majored in International Business and Studies.  I met my wife there and we have been married for 9 years going on 10 this year.  We both currently live in a Raleigh with our two dogs.  

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My Health Journey

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My journey started when I was a baby, I actually have very limited recollection of life as a baby.  My mom thinks I probably walled it off because it was a traumatic experience in my life.  I remember being in diapers until I was five and I was fortunate enough to be adopted by my loving parents and able to get help.  I am one of the oldest males with cloacal exstrophy, growing up, most boys were transitioned into women because it was easier.  I had an ileostomy and kock pouch put in place when I was five, possibly six.  I spent a lot of toddler years in and out of the hospital.  In 2019 my kock pouch was replaced with a urostomy because there were some issues with it.  I also have spina bifida occulta, enough to have to have tether cord release surgery on multiple occasions.  I had one when I was born, five, thirteen, twenty, and twenty six.  I have chronic neuropathy pain because of it and lost feeling in my right foot.  I used to love running but those days are behind me.  I had a central line inserted in 2022 because I no longer have the bowel to absorb necessary nutrients when drinking or eating.  I have had in the upwards of 50+ surgeries in my lifetime to help me try and live my best life.  

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Why did I start a blog?

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I wanted a place to put down my thoughts and discuss my journey.  I know many people suffer in the dark with something and I want people to know that I have been there.  I have been so low that I once thought of ending my life, I thought there wasn't a reason to continue, I struggle at times with what I have, and I sometimes I ask why?  I want people to know they' are not alone and if this site gives anyone a glimmer of hope or helps someone.  There are a lot of challenges with living with two ostomies, chronic pain, limited ability to walk, and having PTSD and depression.  Just know that your health doesn't have to define you and that there is help as long as you are willing to find it.  The first step into a problem is the admission.

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