My symptoms started when I was a teenager. I remember going to the toilet and seeing blood in my poo.  The trips to the toilet were becoming more and more regular. It was massively interfering with my life.

After this continued for some time, I eventually booked an appointment with my GP. I was around 18, and they initially diagnosed me with IBS.

After a few years passed, my symptoms continued and they were getting progressively worse. It was becoming intolerable. At this point, doctors said it was because I had hemorrhoids, which were causing me to bleed. Nothing else had been mentioned or investigated at that stage.

I remember around this time I could barely eat anything, I was living off yoghurt and plain toast, everything else would just come straight back up!

Since I couldn’t eat properly and was constantly going to the toilet, I dropped a significant amount of weight and had very little energy, so I felt like I was wasting away.

Due to this, and because of the amount of blood I was losing, I ended up in hospital and was kept in for about three weeks. It was scary not knowing what was going on, especially as the doctors at the hospital had no idea what was happening to me – I still had no answers.

After lots of blood tests and a colonoscopy, I was diagnosed with Ulcerative Colitis. By the time I got the news, my weight had dropped to under six stone. I was so unwell.

The doctors decided I needed to have stoma surgery to help get things under control as quickly as possible. Although it was a lot to get my head around, my symptoms definitely settled and I was able to start getting my life back.

It’s an ordeal to be put to sleep, to then wake up with a new addition to your body – but also, not knowing how to look after it. It’s daunting!

Since then, I’ve had my stoma reversed and I’m really grateful to be able to live my life like I did before my diagnosis.

All of these experiences made me want to start my own small business and give back to the Crohn’s and Colitis community. So I now design stoma bag labels! It’s just my way of encouraging people to embrace their stoma bags and use them to help express themselves. If adding a bit of my artwork to your bag helps you build your confidence – especially when you’re on holiday or in your bikini – then fantastic! I don’t want anyone feeling isolated or like they need to hide away because they’ve had stoma surgery. I just want to help other people who are in the same position as me.

A percentage of all stoma bag labels purchased will be donated to Crohn's & Colitis UK. 

If I had one piece of advice for other people with Inflammatory Bowel Disease, it would be this - do not let it define you! If anything, it shows your strength and willingness to live a full life, despite the obstacles. You really can make it your super power!