If you have Crohn’s disease or ulcerative colitis there is always the possibility of needing an operation to remove part of your bowel and to fit an ostomy bag. But what exactly does that entail?

A newspaper in Australia interviewed an ulcerative colitis patient about the procedure. The patient (who chose to remain anonymous) gave a candid account of what she went through and how it now affects her.

MORE: Do you know about Rebecca Zamolo’s journey with UC, colon surgery and an ostomy bag?

The patient shared pictures of her surgery scars and ostomy bag (which some readers may find graphic) and explained that the progression of her UC had led to the ileostomy. She had the operation at 24 as she was dangerously close to suffering from a perforated bowel.

The patient explains how she now goes to the bathroom and passes gas and that for the most part, it doesn’t affect her life too much. However, she is due to have another surgery to reattach the small part of the bowel surgeons left behind, which if successful, will mean that she can use the washroom regularly again and will no longer require her ostomy bag. Read more about her story here.

MORE: Professional strongman, Clint Darden, shares his ulcerative colitis story

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