Story
In 2009 I was diagnosed with Crohns Disease. Crohns is a disease that can cause inflammation throughout the entire digestive tract resulting in frequent and urgent toilet visits, weight loss, loss of appetite, fatigue and even more toilet trips. It is horrible. Many people can manage the condition with medication for years, but unfortunately within a year of diagnosis I had landed myself in hospital with a flare up that was uncontrollable by medication of any kind. After 6 weeks in hospital my condition was only getting worse, and in the end surgery was the only option.
So I had my bowel removed, which I kept and now use as a scarf on cold winter evenings, and now I have a stoma. (http://www.ostomylifestyle.org/content/what-stoma). It was hugely difficult to have surgery which left me with an 'accessory' with which such a stigma is attached. However it proved a life changing, and life saving, decision.
I am now back enjoying life and not in any way restricted in what I can do. Ostomy Lifestyle promotes awareness of people with a stoma and provides support for those living with one - including me. I'm not saying I find it easy to cope with life with a stoma, indeed it can prove extremely frustrating, embarrassing and terribly inconvenient at times, but after a period of adjustment and a whole lot of support from family and friends I am proud to show just what I can do, and how having a stoma won't stop me!
Unfortunately, not everyone finds it quite so easy to adjust. There are many reasons for having a stoma, including bowel disease, cancer or injury, and it can be an extremely difficult and often depressing situation to find yourself in. Not only do you have ongoing health issues to deal with, but you also have to come to terms with a whole new body image which many people cannot do. Ostomy Lifestyle are there to support these people when they need it most. I would like to give a little back to them.I, and many others, would be so grateful if you would dust off your credit cards and donate a few pounds.
Thank you so much,
Katy