Matthew

Matthew

As a child and in my teenage years I was very active and did a lot of sport. When I was 15 I was diagnosed with Crohn's Disease following a period of when I became more and more tired. I was treated with medicine, but I never came back to my normal physical level again. There were lots of problems and pain, and at the age of 18 I had my first surgery due to stricture in the large bowel.

I learned to cope with having a stoma in due course. My experience is that the longer I had it, the easier it got. I have learned to deal with most situations by being well prepared, such as making sure to always have a spare bag with me, especially if I am far from home. At first I thought that the stoma would effect my social life in a negative way.

"I didn't think I would be as able to do many of the things that I had enjoyed, such as going to the cricket in summer."

My friends and family have all been very supportive and helped me with everything that I might need. I don't think any of them have change their perception of me. My advice to others with a stoma or to those who are going to get one soon, don't worry too much as you can still lead a relatively normal life.