Let’s welcome this weeks warrior, Lauren!
My name is Lauren and I’m 25 years old living in the north east of England! I live with my partner James and our dog Obie who I am obsessed with! I have a Masters in psychology and I currently work for the NHS in children’s mental health services as a clinical Psychology Assistant. I’m currently trying to get back to uni to do my Doctorate in clinical Psychology which will help me reach my goal of becoming a qualified clinical psychologist
I am diagnosed with Crohn’s disease and I have had this diagnosis since I was 21, 4 years ago now. I was diagnosed on the back of a burst appendix removal where the surgeon noticed some bowel loops and inflammation. After I recovered, I was sent for a colonoscopy which confirmed Crohn’s in my terminal ileum (the end of my small bowel). Since then, my Crohn’s has become incredibly active and changed my life!
4 years of flare ups later, I was admitted to hospital in October 2021 with what I thought was another flare that needed hospital treatment. Only it turns out that my bowel had become so swollen it had stuck together. I had a blockage and my bowel was on the verge of perforating. Bowel waste was even being pushed through my internal fistulas meaning I had a nasty infection. I was really poorly and told I would need life-saving surgery. 24 hours later I had a stoma and 50cm of bowel removed- none of which was planned! It was a really difficult time for me.
I’m currently in remission from Crohn’s disease, thanks to my ileostomy. But before I would experience really bad constipation (which is not what people think is possible with IBD but it’s really common!) I would get a lot of swelling and bloating and I could only wear certain clothes because of it. The fatigue was immense and I had to avoid certain foods. I used to also get skin sores.
Now my life is affected in a different way with my ileostomy. I am now having to adapt to my new life. Don’t get me wrong, it’s nice to be in remission for the first time in 4 years- the swelling has gone down, I can eat what I like etc. But now I have to accommodate a stoma! This involves bag changes every other day, and emptying it during the day and throughout the night. It’s reasonable adjustments at work and identifying with having a disability. It’s adjusting to my new body and staying hydrated constantly!
For years I kept my Crohn’s disease hidden from view, apart from with my friends and family. Since my ileostomy I’ve found a new drive and strength to talk about it and advocate for it. I want people to be able to see girls like me in popular media, so that if this ever happens to them, they can easily find someone who looks just like they do and is living their life. On my Instagram @lauren_talking_shite I share my recovery in a really honest way. I share the good days and the bad and lay my vulnerabilities out for the world to see while I try and navigate my new life.
My advice to others in a similar position would be that it’s okay to feel like you can manage this one day and then feel totally defeated by it the next. Recovery and living with a chronic illness are not linear and it’s only natural to find that overwhelming at times. It’s okay to rest and sometimes that’s the most productive thing you can do with your time. Connect with people who understand what it’s like and find comfort in shared experiences. The IBD and chronic illness community are the most supportive online presence I’ve ever had the pleasure of being part of.
In spite of my illness, I love playing video games and taking my dog on long walks. The beach is my favourite place to go! me and James like going to gigs together and I enjoy doing photoshoots and learning to love my new body. I’m not a massive movie person, but I do like the odd thriller or drama now and again. I also enjoy going to the gym, that’s my time to just focus on me and get rid of all the stress from that day.
Thank you so much for sharing your inspiring story Lauren! Be sure to give her a follow in IG @lauren_talking_shite