Emma’s Story

My name is Emma, I’m 20 years old and I was diagnosed with ulcerative colitis at the age of 16. I tried all treatments first steroids , anti inflammatories and then moved onto biologics like azathioprine and mercaptopurine and the infusions drugs but nothing was working for me.

I then had my first surgery February 2019. I’ve had another 5 major open bowel surgeries since then, once having three stoma bags and 15 litres of TPN to keep me alive due to severe bowel obstruction and three bowel perforations. I now have a very complex surgical history.

I’m still suffering with complications to this date- and it has been said I now have a functional gut motility disorder however I’m still awaiting to speak to the motility consultant and a new plan to move forward as they’ve said surgery now isn’t an option for me due to how much trauma my bowel has had and the risk of more adhesions and scar tissue forming.

When things get tough you may feel like you’re on your own, but I am here for you and you are not alone.

You can follow Emma on Instagram.