A brand new mum who suffered 10 years of misdiagnosis has dedicated herself to elevating consciousness of Irritable Bowel Illness, Crohn’s and different circumstances.
Kayleigh Donovan, from Billingham, had been experiencing abdomen points for greater than a decade, however her ache was by no means taken significantly by docs till the delivery of her son in 2020.
For years, the 27-year-old satisfied herself that her fixed sickness was ‘in her head’, till she lastly acquired a prognosis after delivering her child boy, according to Teesside Live.
She mentioned: “I’ve complained about my abdomen subject for years and it was all the time put right down to having nervousness induced issues.
“I had a tough being pregnant with my son and I actually struggled with my well being all through.
“After I gave delivery, docs quickly realised the severity of my conditioned and recognized me with Crohn’s, they mentioned I wanted a stoma bag fitted.
“I believed ‘convey it on’ as I used to be lastly going to be out of ache.”
Kayleigh’s stoma bag operation went underway in July final 12 months and he or she mentioned that it is given her a brand new lease of life.
She added: “Earlier than my prognosis I believed it was all in my head however now it is official I really feel like I can accomplish that a lot!
“I can decide up and play with my son with ease and I’ve additionally discovered different folks in related conditions to me via an Instagram help group.”
(Picture: Teesside Reside)
Though Kayleigh was efficiently fitted along with her bag final 12 months, she mentioned it hasn’t been with out problem as she was allergic to ‘just about’ all of the treatment she was supplied and was rushed into hospital with sepsis.
To make others conscious of her ‘invisible’ situation and assist others going via the identical as her, Kayleigh has arrange her personal Instagram account devoted to her journey with IBD, in her case Crohn’s Illness ( @YOU_ME_AND_IBD ).
Her web page has introduced her a lot help and even a charity photograph shoot, happening on November 30.
She mentioned: “I have been in contact with so many various folks via my web page from all around the nation, going via the very same factor as me.
(Picture: Teesside Reside)
“I am travelling right down to Staffordshire on the thirtieth of this month to participate in an underwear photoshoot with others who’ve a colostomy bag, I am the one woman from the North!
“We’re doing it as a result of we wish to increase consciousness of our situation in addition to let everybody know that they will really feel lovely regardless.”
In addition to elevating consciousness on a nationwide stage, Billingham native Kayleigh needs to lift consciousness of stomas within the native space too.
She added: “There’s about 1,800 folks with stoma luggage fitted simply in Teesside, that is an enormous quantity! I assist run a help group on Fb so persons are capable of share their experiences and search recommendation in the event that they want it.
“Though it is all on-line on the minute, we’re hoping to organise a household enjoyable day in assist of Colostomy UK so we’re all capable of lastly meet head to head within the close to future.”
If elevating consciousness of IBD and serving to others with related circumstances wasn’t sufficient, Kayleigh additionally makes bag covers.
She mentioned: “I’ve began making stoma bag covers in all completely different patterns and designs. There could be numerous causes folks want a Stoma; from Crohn’s like me to colon most cancers, traumatic births and even after being stabbed.
“I hope my bag covers could make folks really feel extra assured and I’ve even been capable of donate some to charities in order that’s been sensible.”
For IBD help, go to ‘North East IBD and Stoma Help Group UK’ on Fb.
