My name is Mollie Pearce, I am 20 years old. I was diagnosed with ulcerative colitis when I was 11 years old after months and months of doctors visits and hospital appointments. My parents rushed me to A&E in the children’s hospital after I had passed out, they then admitted me and diagnosed me after a colonoscopy a couple of days later. I stayed in the hospital for about 2 weeks as I needed IV steroids.
After that, it was a cycle of mostly being well for 6 months, then having a flare-up needing steroids and a new treatment to try. No medications seemed to work once I came off my steroids. I also tried infusions which is when you have treatment through a drip and stay in hospital for the day, sadly these didn’t work either and I would end up back on steroids (which I hated).
I had very frequent hospital visits and stays meaning I missed a lot of school through year 7 up to when I finished college. I also found it hard to go out and enjoy myself due to constant fear of where the toilet was. As I got older I started to experience panic attacks almost every time I left the comfort of my house.
When I was admitted to hospital on the 30th September 2020 at 18 years old, I knew I didn’t have many/any options treatment wise and was told surgery was the best option for me. At this point, I was still horrified about surgery and tried not to think about it. As my stay in the hospital went on I realised I couldn’t do it anymore and I wanted my life back. I was so fed up with my colitis controlling my life I just wanted it gone and the pain to stop.
On the 4th of October, I had my colon removed leaving me with an ileostomy. It was also the day I got my life back. After taking time to recover I started to get back to a healthy and happy life. My panic attacks stopped and I was no longer scared to leave the house, even if there wasn’t a toilet around. My stoma has given me the life I never thought was possible.
I thought I would have to change my whole wardrobe after surgery but I can wear whatever I like! I even wore a bikini on my first holiday with my boyfriend. I can go out with friends like a normal 20 year old and enjoy dancing, drinking and eating! I can go on dates and day trips to beautiful places! I have a job in healthcare! Model part time to spread awareness about chronic illness and limb differences! Overall my bag has given me a second chance where I can actually enjoy my life!
I thought having surgery would be the end of my life but it was actually just the beginning. I recently became the newest member of the people empowered community for Kurt Geiger (pinch me moment!!). You can read my story on the kurt Geiger website
