Moray woman aiming to raise awareness of Crohns and bowel diseases
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A MORAY woman living with Crohns is keen to raise awareness of the disease locally – and offer advice to anyone struggling with its effects.
Crohns Disease is an inflammatory bowel disease which can lead to severe diarrhoea, stomach pain and weight loss.
Rhoda Campbell (53) was diagnosed with Crohns more than 25 years ago and got a stoma bag in 2017.
Since then, Mrs Campbell has set up the Facebook group Crohns, Colitis and Ostomy in Moray to help others locally who are in a similar boat.
A recent tragedy has urged here to spread the word about the disease even more, and help people who might be coming to terms with a diagnosis.
She said: "I heard that a friend's husband who had a stoma had taken his life recently because he couldn't live with it.
"And there was a case in England where a man refused to get one, despite the fact it would have saved his life.
"That's when I realised that something needs to be done and there needs to be more awareness of this."
Since having her own stoma bag attached in 2017, Rhoda said she has been able to live more freely.
Before, she was having to rush to the toilet more than 40 times per day.
However, life can still be hard – and there is often little understanding of this 'hidden disease', which makes things that little bit more difficult.
Rhoda added: "Even my family struggle to understand why I can't do things.
"I may look fine but I feel rubbish every day. I've not worked in five years because it's debilitating.
"If you think of a sickness and diarrhoea bug and then imagine that every day of your life – it's like working through that.
"So there are hard times – but you can live life to the full with a stoma.
"There are lots of people with stoma bags and you can go on bike rides, go hillwalking, you can do anything, you can even go swimming."
After living in Aberdeen for years, Rhoda set up Crohns, Colitis and Ostomy in Moray when she moved back to the area recently.
The group, which has around 80 members, is open to locals who have a bowel disease or are interested in learning more about them.
So far it has been a great success, with Rhoda even having met her current husband Stewart through the group.
She added: "The group was made to get people talking and raise awareness.
"It's just people helping each other out – we share news on research, awareness days and more.
"I was lucky enough to meet my husband Stewart, who also has Crohns, in the group."
The group's members were keen to add a word to let people know what life can be like living with Crohns, Colitis or a stoma.
Jenna Arnott said: "I'm glad we have this group because there's some "crap" I don't speak about with others. I hate having this horrible condition I struggle daily with pain.
"The hardest part is the lack of understanding."
Melanie Foley added: "I don't think some people realise that it's not just a stomach issue. It affects every part of you.
"The medication I'm on keeps Crohns in remission however I have other infections and problems now as a result of the medication.
"I still live a normal life with a busy job as a stable yard manager and always look at the glass being half full.
"The support you get from others with the same condition is second to none as no matter how understanding your family are they just don't fully understand how you feel."
You can join the group at www.facebook.com/groups/rhoda.munn.
