My journey with UC, ileostomy and a J pouch – Georgia’s story

My name is Georgia. I am 24 years old. I’m in my final year of studying a criminology degree. I am a lover of health, fitness, and Muay Thai, I am a personal trainer, and amongst all this, I am a survivor.

I was diagnosed with ulcerative colitis after an infection from Thailand brought my illness to light. For six months, I was a shell of myself. I was in intense abdominal pain. I was frequenting the toilet up to 30 times a day, and bleeding heavily. I had no energy, brain fog, joint pain, and couldn’t get a full night’s sleep. Despite this, I pushed through. I was in the midst of training for my first Muay Thai fight, with doctors telling me my symptoms were normal due to my infection.

I finally went to the hospital after trying to convince myself I was fine. It was here that I was finally diagnosed with ulcerative colitis. I had severe inflammation. In the months preceding this, I tried every medication and treatment possible to help my UC. I failed biologics, infusions, injections, and pills. My inflammation only got worse. Eventually, I was once again admitted to the hospital, this time for sepsis.

My inflammation was the worst my surgeon has ever seen, and I needed emergency surgery to remove my large bowel. I was severely underweight and put into the ICU after my ileostomy surgery. Recovery was one of the hardest things I have ever gone through in my life, but I was determined. I researched as much as I could, and I learnt everything I needed to know for my new life.

After recovering, I felt like a new person. My energy was back, I felt stronger and healthier than ever before. It was a high I have never experienced. To be so close to death was terrifying, but to make it out the other side a happier, healthier, and stronger person made all the pain I experienced worth it.

About a year ago, I decided to have J pouch surgery as my rectum also needed to be removed. This was another tough surgery to go through, but again, it represented my strength and resilience. With my bag and now my J pouch, I have witnessed how difficult life can be, but also how beautiful it is. I am grateful to be alive, and I’ve realised how important it is to be healthy. Without it, we have nothing.

As a survivor, my goal is to bring awareness to IBD, ostomies, and J pouches. I strive to educate others about this disease, and I fight to break the stigma surrounding it.

Support Georgia as she takes on the Live Fearless Challenge!