Jennie Higgins
Jennie's Head Shave
Fundraising for Crohn’s & Colitis UK
Story
Thanks for taking the time to visit my JustGiving page.
In March this year after a long stay in hospital I was diagnosed with crohns colitis. I started with symptoms of a tummy bug (e.g sickness, diarrhoea, cramps) but they gradually got more severe to the point that I wasn’t keeping any food or drink down for over a week and I wasn’t able to move as I was in so much pain. After several trips to the doctors, I got admitted to hospital after visiting the walk in centre.
At the hospital, I underwent a number of tests, X-rays and ct scans which initially identified that I was suffering with an Inflammatory Bowel Disease called ulcerative colitis. Now normally these are controlled with steroids and medications but me being me didn’t respond to any medication that was given. In the end I had to undergo surgery to remove my colon and create something called an ileostomy. An ileostomy is an opening in my belly which waste comes out of. Bit TMI but amazing at the same time as this ultimately saved my life. At first, I didn’t want to look at it and didn’t want to believe I had it. I stopped people coming to see me in hospital because I didn’t want them to know what had happened. I felt embarrassed by it and didn’t think anyone would want to know me.
I needn’t have worried though as everybody has been so supportive and understanding of my condition and since I have been out of hospital I know a number of people who have a bag for life, just like me. FYI I’m happy to answer any Qs people have about this so don’t be afraid to talk to me. It’s not an elephant in the room.
When my biopsy came back, it determined I had crohns colitis which is Crohn’s disease of the colon. Now seen as though I have had my colon removed I shouldn’t get anymore flare ups of crohns but I have to get a check up every 2 years to make sure it hasn’t got any worse.
This has been a life changing time and very challenging physically and mentally. I have gone through a lot of changes which I still have to deal with on a daily basis. Since leaving the hospital, I have had a rubbish time with my hair falling out. Anyone who knows me, knows me for my hair but unfortunately due to sickness, malnourishment and many different medications my hair has started to fall out. I am taking the plunge to get rid of it fully to raise money for Crohn's and Colitis UK in the hope that it will raise awareness of these terrible conditions and eventually lead to a cure. Any donation no matter how big or small will be appreciated! Please share with others as the main goal is to raise as much awareness as possible.
Thanks for taking the time to read my story!
Donating through JustGiving is simple, fast and totally secure. Your details are safe with JustGiving - they'll never sell them on or send unwanted emails. Once you donate, they'll send your money directly to the charity. So it's the most efficient way to donate - saving time and cutting costs for the charity.
In March this year after a long stay in hospital I was diagnosed with crohns colitis. I started with symptoms of a tummy bug (e.g sickness, diarrhoea, cramps) but they gradually got more severe to the point that I wasn’t keeping any food or drink down for over a week and I wasn’t able to move as I was in so much pain. After several trips to the doctors, I got admitted to hospital after visiting the walk in centre.
At the hospital, I underwent a number of tests, X-rays and ct scans which initially identified that I was suffering with an Inflammatory Bowel Disease called ulcerative colitis. Now normally these are controlled with steroids and medications but me being me didn’t respond to any medication that was given. In the end I had to undergo surgery to remove my colon and create something called an ileostomy. An ileostomy is an opening in my belly which waste comes out of. Bit TMI but amazing at the same time as this ultimately saved my life. At first, I didn’t want to look at it and didn’t want to believe I had it. I stopped people coming to see me in hospital because I didn’t want them to know what had happened. I felt embarrassed by it and didn’t think anyone would want to know me.
I needn’t have worried though as everybody has been so supportive and understanding of my condition and since I have been out of hospital I know a number of people who have a bag for life, just like me. FYI I’m happy to answer any Qs people have about this so don’t be afraid to talk to me. It’s not an elephant in the room.
When my biopsy came back, it determined I had crohns colitis which is Crohn’s disease of the colon. Now seen as though I have had my colon removed I shouldn’t get anymore flare ups of crohns but I have to get a check up every 2 years to make sure it hasn’t got any worse.
This has been a life changing time and very challenging physically and mentally. I have gone through a lot of changes which I still have to deal with on a daily basis. Since leaving the hospital, I have had a rubbish time with my hair falling out. Anyone who knows me, knows me for my hair but unfortunately due to sickness, malnourishment and many different medications my hair has started to fall out. I am taking the plunge to get rid of it fully to raise money for Crohn's and Colitis UK in the hope that it will raise awareness of these terrible conditions and eventually lead to a cure. Any donation no matter how big or small will be appreciated! Please share with others as the main goal is to raise as much awareness as possible.
Thanks for taking the time to read my story!
Donating through JustGiving is simple, fast and totally secure. Your details are safe with JustGiving - they'll never sell them on or send unwanted emails. Once you donate, they'll send your money directly to the charity. So it's the most efficient way to donate - saving time and cutting costs for the charity.