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Caroline Bramwell

- Passionate Triathlete

Hello, my name is Caroline, I’m 50 (although I don’t feel it!) and I live in north Devon with my husband and two children. I have a permanent Ileostomy, nicknamed ‘Strawberry’ by my children.

 

Caroline Bramwell was diagnosed with ulcerative colitis (UC) when she was pregnant with her youngest child. Because of her pregnancy it was difficult to control the disease with the usual medication. Caroline continued to suffer symptoms for several years after her baby was born and in 2010 she elected to have a panproctocolectomy (removal of colon and rectum), so she could regain her quality of life and play with her young children. “It wasn’t an easy decision by any means” she says, “I remember my stoma care nurse giving me an ileostomy bag to practice with at home before my op. I put it and just cried.”

However, after surgery Caroline says “I was just grinning, I instantly felt so much better. Looking back I wonder why I put up with the UC for so long, but I think it just became normal.” Caroline has certainly made the most of her new healthy life and is now a passionate triathlete. “I took up cycling to get fit after my surgery 6 years ago and cycled London to Paris in 24 hours, a year after surgery. Then two years ago I decided to learn to swim properly as my children swim like dolphins.” Caroline is now training for the Ironman contest in Bolton in July.

“I have a passion for showing others who either have a stoma or those considering having surgery, that it isn’t the end of the world. In fact, in can be the start of a whole new way of life, one where you are not housebound or limited in what you can do.” And this is why Caroline joined the Advocate team. “Having a stoma may be ‘different’ but it can be the solution to ridding yourself of pain and suffering. It doesn’t have to hold you back. My stoma has given me freedom to live my life to the max!”

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When you enroll in me+™, you get all of the valuable resources and support you need right at your fingertips - from a dedicated team of stoma care nurses and specialists to information on product, lifestyle and diet. You don't have to figure it out alone. Join today and let us help you get back to doing the things that make you, you.