Lynelle discusses her Crohn's diagnosis, stoma operation and reversal. 

My Crohns symptoms commenced when I was 18 after eating a pizza my boyfriend at the time. I had a bout of food poisoning which he seemed to overcome and I didn't. Extreme stomach pains when trying to eat and suddenly coming on for what seemed no reason I decided a visit to the doctor was needed. All the normal tests were done for things like appendicitis etc and the doctors seemed to have no answers. This lasted for about two years with me continually going back to doctors to be told it was "stress".

My name is Jasmine Malone and I suffer from Crohn's disease. I first found out I had it in 2010, but I have been having stomach problems since I was little. I feel bad almost everyday, but I try to work through it and contuine on with my day. When my friends ask me why I miss so much school, I never know what to tell them. I don't want them to think i'm some kind of freak or something. 

By Wally

Wally's personal successes in fending off pouchitis.

Sore skin can be a real problem when you have a stoma. Keeping your peristomal skin (skin around your stoma) healthy is a great step towards a comfortable and secure stoma experience. Here are my healthy skin tips.

Remember, if you have any persistant skin issues or questions about changing your appliance, consult your hospital's stoma nurse.

The following is based on my experiences travelling with an ileostomy. I've had a bag since 2002 and have travelled within Europe, the Caribbean and have had an extended stay in France with it.

Two questions I've been asked about the stoma are Can you fly on an aeroplane with it, and can you go swimming with it? The answer is yes on both counts!