Sarah introduces Vicky
Sarah, @positively_stella:
Raising awareness for ulcerative colitis and stomas has been something I have felt passionate about since my emergency surgery in 2019. I had ulcerative colitis for 13 years and lived in fear of other peoples thoughts, but since my surgery, my whole life changed for the better, and by raising awareness I wanted to make other people feel comfortable in their own skin too.
Vicky, 30. Ulcerative Colitis and Ileostomy.
My name is Vicky and I am 30 years old.
I was initially diagnosed with UC in 2017 after 6 months of debilitating symptoms led to me being rushed to A&E. I went into remission and was on a maintenance drug called Octasa which allowed me to live a normal life.
I was initially diagnosed with UC in 2017 after 6 months of debilitating symptoms led to me being rushed to A&E. I went into remission and was on a maintenance drug called Octasa which allowed me to live a normal life.
I flared uncontrollably in Jan 2019 after picking up a vomiting bug which meant I couldn’t keep my Octasa down. I had 5 emergency admissions between Jan and July 2019 to try and control the flare, including one for sepsis. During this period, I was put onto infliximab which didn’t work then vedolizumab. Unfortunately I did not respond and my condition continued to deteriorate to the point where my other organs began to shut down. I was rushed for emergency ileostomy surgery on 18th July 2019 and woke up with my stoma who I affectionately named “Wilma”. Waking up from surgery I felt like a new human with the diseased organ gone...
It’s so important to raise awareness about ostomys. No one would choose to have one, but they are one of the wonders of modern medicine and I am so incredibly proud to have mine. I think it’s fair to say that all ostomates have bad days and question why this had to happen, but each time I think that way I remind myself that the cute little piece of kit on my tum saved my life, and for that I will be forever thankful! They allow people with IBD to return to having a normal life instead of living day to day in pain and looking for the nearest bathroom. I put myself in the shoes of the person petrified to go to the doctor or speak about their symptoms, or the person that has been told they have no other options but to have surgery.
By speaking out and showing that my life is 100% normal, it may change that persons outlook.
If you would like to share your story and discuss it with us in a one on one awareness feature please get in touch.
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