Health & Happiness: Colostomy Bag At 20 + My Little Lifesaver

Having Crohn’s disease shattered Robyn’s world…

I’ve taken up dancing again, and I’m studying Childcare

Robyn Dalrymple, 23, Kilmarnock

Really, I was like any other 18-year-old – carefree and up for a laugh! But that all changed when I started getting severe pains in my bottom.

‘It’s an abscess, it’ll need to be drained,’ said the consultant at the hospital.

But the agony returned, and soon spread to my abdomen.

I also had to contend with diarrhoea and vomiting.

Soon, I had to stop going to the dance classes I loved, and give up work due to my poor health.

For two years, I was in and out of hospital, but a biopsy, colonoscopy and other tests didn’t find what was wrong…

In August 2014, a second biopsy showed

I had Crohn’s disease – an incurable, long-term disorder where the lining of the digestive tract is inflamed.

Worse, I’d need a colostomy bag at only 20 years old!

The pressure of my illness became too much, and I fell into despair, spent most of my time crying at home.

My self-esteem was shot, and I suffered anxiety and depression.

‘This is my life now!’ I sobbed. ‘Your life isn’t over,’ my mum Nancy, 57, reassured me.

But I was sure I’d never find love… But that changed last year when I met someone.

We got chatting through friends, and clicked instantly.

Two years younger than me, he was mature for his age, and not scared off by my condition – in fact, he encouraged me at every turn.

We’re no longer together, but I still feel like a new woman.

I’ve taken up dancing again, and am currently studying Childcare at college.

My parents are also an amazing support to me.

Now I’m getting ready to move out on my own, as my independence is very important to me.

I recently learned that my Crohn’s has spread, so doctors will have to investigate further.

And I know pregnancy could be life-threatening for me, too.

But I’ll cross those bridges when I get to them.

Right now, I’m ready for whatever life throws at me…