b'Inspirational Life Stories to inspire and motivate.HOW GETTING A BAG FOR LIFE TURNED ME INTO A TRIATHLETEA new life with passion and purpose - By Caroline BramwellThe thought initially horrified me. In the days running up to surgery, Id stick an ostomy bag on my abdomen to familiarise myself with it. I couldnt imagine having this for life. But when I came round from the surgery I couldnt stop smiling; the disease was actually gone. So, yes, I had an ileostomy and a bag, but already felt more positive about my future. I ran my PR agency throughout my illness and retained several clients whoI looked after virtually. They were unaware of my disease or surgery; I just got on with it but it was a challenge.After surgery, I presumed my body would be fine. With the steroids reduced to a minimal level, I thought I would be fit and well to get out there with We all make ourmy children, enjoy my life and work again. However, I struggled with osteoarthritis-choices in life. I couldlike symptoms; side effects of the have let this take memedication. I had to keep moving A t my lowest point,down or take me forward.to endeavour to loosen my joints I chose the latter andand regain my fitness. I desperately I spent hours in mywanted to shake the extra weight, but bathroom, doubled upnow I have my lifebeing a self-confessed couch potato,in agony and fatiguedback and a brightI just didnt have the motivation.from blood loss. It was hard to thinkfuture The only way was to set myself a goal. how my life used to be I couldntAdmittedly, cycling from London to Paris even get down on the floor and play within 24 hours is not your average goal!My my children as it triggered another attack.GP advised me not to expect too much of my My future looked bleak. body. Devastation and disappointment mingled with When I was diagnosed with Ulcerative Colitis, I had neverstubbornness She didnt say I couldnt do it so in my heard of it and definitely didnt know anyone who hadmind it was possible! As a result, not only did I cycle had the condition. Its an Inflammatory Bowel Disease -London to Paris in 24 hours, relaying with a teammate,not the hottest of topics. I took tablets to try and control it.I subsequently rode Newcastle to London in 24 hours. I had no-one to talk to bar my GP, hospital consultant andI then decided to overcome my fear of water and learn immediate family. Going out shopping with my childrento swim so I could enjoy the pool with my children. My was traumatic as I was forced to use private toilets ofostomy was not going to stop me; I was determined to retailers, and face appalled looks from those who saw mepush my personal boundaries every day to achieve.using a disabled toilet facility; but I had no choice.TheyNext goal; complete a triathlon with the local tri-club - the couldnt see my disease so I looked like someone justbeginning of my new passion and Ive gone from strength taking advantage with two toddlers. to strength since, stretching my distances to race in full The side-effects of the steroid medication were even moreIronman Triathlons (2.4 miles swim, 112 miles bike, 26.2 desperate and depressing. I was bloated, didnt recognisemiles run) I may never make a podium place, but I am so myself and couldnt look in the mirror without crying.happy to finish and even happier just to take part.Hospitalisation and two blood transfusions later, it wasMy races led me to writing my autobiography Loo Rolls to clear this wasnt going to improve. Surgery became myLycra, having the UKs No1 wetsuit manufacturer, HUUB, final decision to take back control of my body and life. as my kit sponsor, becoming an inspirational speaker and I made the tough decision to have a permanent ileostomy.expanding my PR business. The Ileostomy & Internal Pouch My large intestine, colon and rectum were removed andAssociation were my rock and are now my sponsors too.in their place, a bag for life.ironostomy.co.uk carolinebramwell.co.uk32'