When I was 18 I got Colitis. Even though I was pretty sure that I had what my dad had, GP's didn't believe it was likely due to my young age. This delay actually caused me some serious pain and suffering and allowed the illness to get to the point where I needed to spend time in ICU. Although the early intervention was missed, the care I received from the Gastrontolgists, surgeons and nurses throughout my treatments was vital to allow me to survive. 

1 year later, it was back, I was in the first year of Univesity, and again, it was just before Christmas. It quickly became clear to me that this time, it was not reacting to the drugs and I was clearly in going to need some sort of surgery to get through this. After trying experimental drugs and spending Christmas in the hospital, I had to have my large intestine removed (full colectomy). 

This meant, getting a colostomy bag. I spent the next 6-8 months in preparation for - what I had decided I wanted - a second operation to create an internal pouch, meaning I would not need the colostomy bag. The care and support from the NHS I received during this time were essential in helping me cope with, what was a huge change for me.

On top of that, my dad's experience and taking inspiration from how he had overcome so many challenges with his experience of having a colostomy bag - drove me to push myself to do as much as possible with what I had. It also cemented my decision to go for the second operation. 

There was another set back, I also developed Pioderma on my skin around the stoma. This was - beyond painful, with basically my skin melting away around the stoma. 

Again, the support from the Dermotolgists and the NHS nurses was nothing short of a lifeline to help me not only recover but stay positive in my goals for the future.

When I'd finally had my second surgery and I was all healed up - I got the great news that I was deemed healthy enough from the NHS doctors to go back to University and they could write me a medical exemption letter for my first year. 

Although, that was great to know, and for anyone who needs that - it is again a testament to how the NHS staff were thinking about more than my health but my future too - I didn't need it.

Although it may had been suggested that I probably would need to stop University, I had not. And I managed to pass my first year from the work I'd created while unwell. In truth, keeping my mind active on something other than the illness had been crucial for me.

Now, I'd like to support other people going through this, as it's clearly close to home. That's why I've chosen Chron's and Colitis charity to raise money for in 2021.

Heres what they say about themselves :)

"We’re the UK’s leading charity for Crohn’s and Colitis.Right now, over 300,000 people in the UK are living with a lifelong disease that many people have never heard of. And the real number could be almost double that.Because of the stigma and misunderstanding surrounding these diseases, thousands of people are suffering in silence.But they’re not alone.We’re working to improve diagnosis and treatment, and to fund research into a cure; to raise awareness and to give people hope, comfort and confidence to live freer, fuller lives."