Things I've taken for granted

WARNING, GRAFFIC CONTENT. If you'd rather pass this one by, I won't be offended.
Poop: when I was younger, I could hold my poop forever and went when it was convenient for me. Then after a kid or 4 that all changed. As a matter of fact, I had to have my rectum cauterized several times because it would repeatedly split open because I got so constipated. At some point someone decided that I needed my sphincter partially cut, so it wouldn't keep happening. Of course by this time I was using metamucil on a regular basis, and the surgeon didn't mention that I might not have the same control as before... Fast forward to a year or so ago when I had to have my gallbladder removed. Afterwards, with the constant flow of digestive juices, I was able to go regularly and easily, much like when I was younger. Recently I started on a new antidepressant, which seems to be causing some constipation as a side effect. I really like the intended results of the drug and don't want to give it up. However, I'm having so much trouble going and often need to rush out of the pool when the moment strikes, hoping I will get out before I foul the pool. (That's what they call it when someone poops in the pool.) Then there are the days when I leave the pool twice and then can't go! Back to metamucil I guess!! (Now everyone will be honestly able to say I'm full of shit!)
Pee: when I was younger, I could hold my pee forever and went when it was convenient for everyone. Having 13 other people using the same bathroom dictated when that would be. Then after a kid or 4 that all changed. First of all, the control is totally gone. If I don't pee before I get in the shower, I'm sure not able to hold it till I get out. Then, the added impact of a connective tissue disorder means that everything is loose, causing structures to shift, causing the direction of my stream to change. I could probably challenge most men for how far forward I can pee. However, this means that when I sit on the toilet to pee, I have to be careful that I don't pee right under the seat. Even when I manage to lean forward far enough that it stays in the toilet, it hits the bowl and splashes so much that I'm literally covered in pee. Even when I wrap my whole hand in paper to wipe, I always get pee on my hand trying to get dried off.
Sleep: yup, you guessed it. I used to be able to sleep whenever there was an opportunity. Now there are times when I've fallen asleep 6 times before 7 pm. If I give up and go to bed, I'm often awake for the day by 2 am. If I fight it and stay up until 8:30 or 9 sometimes I can sleep till 3 am. Sometimes no matter when I go to bed, I'm awake at 11, 1, 3 etc. Sleep aids seem to interfere with my antidepressant, causing visual disturbances that are just that; disturbing.
Getting older is not for the faint of heart!
I weighed in this morning at the Y at 205 lbs...still the right direction, in spite of the backup!
Things I've never taken for granted include family, love, money, home and gratitude.
Love, elly