Liam's Story.....

Hi, my name is Liam I’m 36 years old,
I’m married to my stunning wife Robyn and I have three beautiful children - Sophie
10yrs, Harry 9yrs, Leo 1.5yrs and this is my story........

I was diagnosed with Crohns Disease 1992 around my 10^th
Birthday! I had Ileocecal resection surgery at age 10, and at age 21 I had
large bowel resection surgery due to severe inflammation. At age 32 I started
biological infusions at my local hospital every 8 weeks. Finally after all
medication failed my bowel became so infected my body went into septic shock
and I had my stoma (ileostomy) formed September 2017 under emergency surgery!  Unfortunately my body did not take to well to
the surgery and I spent a very long 2.5 months in hospital recovering with
critical care at my bedside most days (some very dark scary days to say the
least) because of a lot of ongoing issues and monthly hospital admissions, my
stoma was made permanent January 2019 where I now have a “Barbie butt” (that’s
right.... No bum hole lol) My mental health has been the hardest thing to cope
with though! I have broken down on many occasions, I have lied to myself as
well as others about the severity of my illness. The stigma of being the “man
of the house” and trying to keep strong for the family has stopped me from
opening up and I had bottled it up until my mind was close to finishing me off.
Tough times for sure!!

My life has revolved around managing my condition and living
with this sometimes unmanageable disease. I have been through 4 major surgeries,
immune suppressing tablets and infusions which in turn came with their own side
affects, I have been on and off steroids to try extinguish my flares over the
years which has seen my weight fluctuate going from super skinny to a bloated
blimp. I have had two children of my own, many family holidays abroad and
locally, a beautiful wedding, many trips to The Arsenal, studied at college – Engineering/CAD
courses and have made many friends from the various jobs I have had over the
years. I am very fortunate to have had such a fulfilled life but I can assure
you every event has been haunted by my Crohns disease.

Having a stoma is just a different way to wipe your bum and
it’s a small price to pay considering the crippling affects that Crohns Disease
has been like for me over the years!  I
still stuffer with many issues such as hernias, fistula’s and skin conditions
and need to see my doctor/specialists and nurses regular (the support I have received
is very overwhelming and I cannot thank them enough).  These issues are a small cry from the Crohns issues
such as stomach pain, fatigue, sickness, diarrhoea and much more I have suffered
with for 26 years.  I am currently
disease free and in remission, Yay!, my Stoma is working very well although it
has taken some time to adjust with the change. 

My wife has been unbelievably strong looking after me and
our three kids, and also battling ulcerative colitis herself! A true rock and a
real fun loving mum who can help us forget about the terrible time we as a
family have had to endure! The support from my closest family has been
incredibly precious and overwhelming, being by my side at my most difficult
times and helping me to recover from my darkest times mentally and physically.

My Stoma (Named “Sadsack” It made me sad and I poo in a
sack! also from 80’s cartoon “Raggy Dolls” lol) I hope will give me the
freedom, health and strength I have craved for over the years to enjoy and fill
my busy life with lots more holidays, laughter and fun with all my friends,
family and more importantly with my wife and kids. No more telling my kids I’m
tired, I’m unwell, and dad’s in hospital again...... and more “lets go
trampolining and theme parks!! No more missing family and friends occasions and
more importantly I can start to plan events and holidays and start to reconnect
with friends I have lost due to illness.

Thanks for
taking the time to read my story.

Much love Liam, Robyn and Family