Crohn’s disease: ‘I’ve had an ostomy bag for eight years – I proceed to the gym, I do yoga, I swim. I can absolutely do everything’ Crohn’s disease is a type of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) that can affect any part of the digestive tract, from the mouth to the anus. It causes chronic inflammation, leading to symptoms such as abdominal pain, severe diarrhea, fatigue, weight loss, and malnutrition. While the exact cause remains unknown, it is believed to result from a combination of genetic, immune system, and environmental factors. There is currently no cure, but treatments aim to reduce inflammation, manage symptoms, and achieve long-term remission. For many individuals living with Crohn’s disease, surgery becomes necessary when medications fail to control symptoms or complications arise. One common surgical option is the creation of a stoma — an opening in the abdomen that allows waste to exit the body into an external pouch, known as an ostomy bag. Depending on the location of the surgery, this may be an ileostomy (from the small intestine), colostomy (from the large intestine), or urostomy (from the urinary tract). The term “stoma” comes from the Greek word meaning “opening.” Living with an ostomy bag does not imply giving up an active lifestyle. Marta Stanska, a Galway resident, was diagnosed with Crohn’s disease at age 16. After multiple surgeries, including a permanent ileostomy and removal of her colon and rectum, she now lives with an ostomy bag. At age 39, she says the ostomy gave her back her health and freedom. “I go to the gym, I do yoga, I swim. I can absolutely do everything,” she stated. Similarly, Terri Brannigan, a 38-year-old woman from Bray in Wicklow, decided to have stoma surgery 10 years ago after living with a debilitating bowel condition. She describes the decision as life-changing, saying it relieved her of constant pain and gave her a new lease on life. “The first thing I said when I woke up was, wow, I’m not in pain anymore,” she shared. These personal stories reflect a broader truth: while adjusting to life with an ostomy can be challenging, many people find significant improvement in their quality of life after surgery. Modern ostomy appliances are discreet, secure, and designed to allow full participation in physical activities, including exercise, swimming, and yoga. Support organizations, such as Crohn’s & Colitis Ireland, provide resources and guidance to support individuals adapt to life with a stoma, addressing everything from skin care and pouch changes to emotional well-being and social confidence. Experiences with Crohn’s disease and ostomy surgery vary widely. What works for one person may not be suitable for another. Decisions about surgery should be made in consultation with a gastroenterologist or colorectal surgeon, based on individual symptoms, disease severity, and overall health. For many living with severe Crohn’s disease, an ostomy is not a limitation but a pathway to renewed health, independence, and the ability to enjoy everyday activities without the burden of constant pain and urgent bathroom needs. As Marta Stanska puts it: “I can absolutely do everything.”
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