MY STORY
My Story
Colostomummy
In 1998, I was 22 years old when I was induced and I experienced a traumatic birth delivering a large baby. I was diagnosed and treated for 2nd degree perineal and vaginal tears. I know now I most likely sustained a 3rd degree tear that was missed.
If my 3rd degree tear had been correctly detected and repaired surgically at the time of the birth, my quality of life could have been significantly better.
The extent of the damage caused by the birth did not become apparent immediately but became life changing.
I had no idea about the link between incontinence and childbirth. I was unaware of the risks of anal incontinence caused by OASI (Obstetric Anal Sphincter Injury) or the impact of perineal injury.
One-year post birth I suffered urinary stress incontinence. After extensive physiotherapy I had a TVT mesh tape inserted. Whilst this remedied the urinary incontinence, I started to experience anal incontinence which proceeded to get worse.
Initially, I was treated with a combination of drugs and glycerine suppositories to manage my symptoms but these were unsuccessful.
Delayed diagnosis
Psychologically, one of the biggest obstacles I faced was getting an admission my symptoms were caused by the injuries I sustained in childbirth.
Having a 2nd degree tear on my notes impacted and delayed getting the correct diagnosis and treatment. It was assumed I had IBS, contracted a virus from overseas travel. It was insinuated I must have had previous incontinence issues prior to the birth.
I wanted some answers as to why I had become doubly incontinent. I met with a consultant at the hospital where my son was born. He told me I was psychologically scarred as a result of experiencing a traumatic birth and that my problems would ‘go away’ in time.
Being told your physical symptoms are not real was even more psychologically damaging and they didn’t resolve.
Subsequently, I have had decades of extensive treatments, interventions, physiotherapies, multiple surgeries and rehabilitation.
‘You should’ve had a Caesarean’
Since the birth I have heard this unhelpful phrase many times. Despite carrying a large baby, a Caesarean section was never offered or discussed. I wasn’t given a choice of how my birth was planned or managed.
I cannot change what has happened and I’m reminded every day.
Becoming an ostomate
I had tried neurostimulators, rectal irrigation and I had exhausted treatment options to manage my incontinence. In December 2019, I opted to have a colostomy.
Choosing to have a stoma was an extremely considered decision and as with any surgery a decision not to be taken lightly.
My quality of life has significantly improved since having my colostomy and has given me a greater sense of freedom. In my husbands’ words, “I am more like me again.”
Despite these hurdles I have not let my condition define who I am. Through constant self-rehabilitation I have learnt how to adapt my exercise and fitness regime many times over to maintain an active lifestyle.
My stoma has given me back my freedom and enabled me in 2021 to join a swimming club and return to competitive swimming.
