Kildare man says bowel surgery gave him second chance
Brian Tyrrell with his daughter Anna and goddaughter Pearl on Curracloe Beach
A Kildare man who had to have his bowel removed says the treatment has been a positive and allowed him to do things he thought he was no longer able to do.
Brian Tyrrell shared his story as World Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD) Day takes place on Monday 19 May.
The 31 year-old, who is from Kildare town, was diagnosed with ulcerative colitis in February 2019.
Brian recalled his symptoms before his diagnosis.
“I had been particularly sick from August to December 2018, noting blood when I went to the toilet and having stomach pains and extreme tiredness. Around Christmas that year, I found it very tough with the food really irritating my stomach and so I went to the doctor.
“I was referred to a specialist who subsequently diagnosed me with ulcerative colitis. In hindsight, there were other occasions where I had a ‘flare’ but I put it down to something else.
“Ultimately, I had my bowel removed in July 2020 and now have a colostomy bag. I no longer take any medication but return to see my specialist regularly for a check-up. Initially, on my diagnosis, the idea of ending up with a colostomy bag was my biggest fear, as I saw this as debilitating at that time."
He added: “However, the change to my life from having the surgery has been incredible. I firmly believe that it has saved my life and allowed me a second chance to enjoy the small things that you take for granted.
“From needing to use the toilet 15-plus times per day when very ill, to living a totally normal life, is a massive change.
“I have returned to playing sports, have no limitations to my daily lifestyle, my food, or any activity that I wish to do. It has also made work much more straightforward, as previously my day and meetings would have been tailored to my stomach, and how I would feel.
“Now I don’t have those concerns. Most importantly, my daughter just gets to see a healthy dad who can play any games with her and enjoy plenty of nice days out together with no issues.”
When it comes to IBD, Brian has the following message.
“IBD doesn’t have to be a negative in your life. Lots of people live with very little impact on their daily lives, with advances continually being made to medicine and understanding of IBD.
“I am keen to stress as well to people who may need to have the surgery I did, that it’s the beginning of a journey for you, and not the end. It will be such a positive change to your life and will allow you to do things that you thought you had lost.”
Brian works as a bank manager and is married with one child. He enjoys sports, reading and gaming.
To mark World IBD Day on Monday May 19, a guide has been published which aims to help people be understanding, better informed, and ultimately more empathetic when speaking to someone who has IBD.
Psychologist Dr Jennifer Wilson O’Raghallaigh, and two people living with IBD, Armagh GAA star, Niall Grimley, and Gogglebox Ireland TV critic, Sarah Reilly are taking part in this year’s campaign.
The subject will also form part of a major webinar, IBD 101, taking place on Monday May 19 from 6.30-8.30pm.
Registration for the free webinar, which is supported by Pharmacosmos, can be made at www.crohnscolitis.ie
It is estimated that there are approximately 50,000 people in Ireland living with IBD, which refers to a number of chronic conditions, with Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis the most common.
Most common symptoms are urgent and frequent bowel motions sometimes with blood, diarrhoea, nausea, vomiting, reduced appetite, weight loss, stomach cramps, and painful joints and skin rashes.
While IBD is a lifelong unpredictable condition, and there is currently no cure, early diagnosis and treatment can help to stabilise the disease and provide for a normal quality of life.
Anyone concerned about IBD can call the Crohn’s and Colitis Ireland Support Line on 01 531 2983.
The phoneline is open Monday, Wednesday and Friday, 9.30am to 12.30pm, or visit www.crohnscolitis.ie.
