Rio's fundraising page

[lt]h2[gt]Hello![lt]br /[gt]I am fundraising for IA - The ileostomy and internal pouch support group as [lt]br /[gt]1. I used to have an ileostomy; and [lt]br /[gt]2. I now have an internal pouch[lt]/h2[gt][p][/p][p][/p][p][/p][p]As some of you may, or may not know I was diagnosed with a bowel condition known as Ulcerative Colitis back in 2009. After 6 weeks of rushing to the toilet, severe abdominal pain, fatigue and just generally feeling like crap I was admitted to hospital. The gastro consultant pretty much took one look at me and said "you're not going anywhere" and the following day I had emergency surgery to remove my colon which was killing me! I subsequently required an ileostomy, an opening on the abdomen which a bag is attached to which waste (poo) collects in. For the curious amongst you you can see what one looks like on my photo album.[/p][p][span=font-weight: normal;] [lt]br /[gt][/span][span=font-weight: normal;]I then went on to have two further surgeries to create an internal pouch, a resovoir made out of the small intestine to act as a rectum. Over the past few years it has been a difficult journey getting to grips with changing body function and body image. Luckily my surgeries are now a past distance and only the scars remain. This is a luxury however for others who have constant problems and are still in and out of hospital.[lt]br /[gt][/span][span=font-weight: normal;] [lt]br /[gt][/span][span=font-weight: normal;]IA has been a lifeline to me especially in the beginning days when I felt very much alone. Being 20-21 whilst all this was going on I viewed having a bag as an old people's thing! I didn't know anyone else my age and I sought out support from IA who put me in touch with younger people. IA aims to help those who have had their colon removed to return to a fully active and normal life as soon as possible. They certainly did this for me and this is why I am raising funds for them to help others.[/span][/p][p]I appreciate each and every donation no matter how big or small. If you are a UK taxpayer Virgin Money Giving can claim gift aid on your donation at no extra cost to you.[/p][lt]h6[gt][span=font-weight: normal;][lt]br /[gt][/span][p][span=font-weight: normal;]Thanks in advance[lt]br /[gt][/span][span=font-weight: normal;][lt]span style="color: #0000ff;"[gt]Rio[/span][lt]/span[gt][/p][lt]/h6[gt][p][/p]