This picture perfectly captures the mood of our wedding day a combination of happiness & relief!

Walking back down the aisle as Mr & Mrs

Over 3 years now since then and life is good!

I made it all the way through the day pretty much unscathed. We had a bit of a leak on the day but nothing was going to dampen our spirits.

Sarah has been so supportive through it all! When I had to have the operation she sat my bedside and told me that we were getting married whatever even if she had to wear the dress in the hospital ward! My life over the past 3 years has been the best health wise for over a decade.

I haven’t let having an ileostomy affect my life. Since the operation I’ve: got married, become an Editor, brought a house, cycled London – Brighton, run a 10K. I cycle to work everyday, I play football as much as I can and I eat what I want, sometimes having to be aware that junk food or Alcohol may alter the output of my ileostomy. But sometimes a curry and a beer can’t be turned down!

I wouldn’t want anyone to have to have a ileostomy but I would say that it has allowed me to lead a “normal” life!

My life so far with Ulcerative Colitis, an ileostomy, Pouchitis and another ileostomy has been a real test of my faith in God. I’m certain some people reading this will have thought how can I trust in God when all this has happened to me. There is a verse in the bible that has always reassured me that some good would come from my suffering.

Romans 8v28:

And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him

I don’t think I would have stayed as positive throughout everything without the knowledge that God was in control!

Please feel free to contact me with any questions you have or just to say hello. I’d love to hear from you

L