When Erin O'Hara was 10 years old, she began to notice worrying symptoms when she went to the bathroom.
As other children her age were concentrating on school and friends, Erin was about to face a life-changing diagnosis.
However, instead of letting her Ulcerative Colitis diagnosis and stoma bag limit her activities, Erin took it in her stride and even celebrates her 'stomaversary' every year.
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She spoke to MyDerry about the journey she has been on since her childhood diagnosis.
She said: "I was 10 when I had my first symptoms. My first symptoms were in May and I had my diagnosis of Ulcerative Colitis the following December. It was a lot to deal with as a young child and I missed a lot of school.
"Most patients are able to manage ulcerative colitis with medication so we had hoped that I would be similar. Unfortunately that wasn’t the case, I tried every medication and even a new drug that was still being trialled at the time but my body did not respond to any of them.
"In just under a month since diagnosis, the disease had spread over my whole large bowel and the surgeon described it as ‘black with disease’. I was taken for emergency surgery to remove my large bowel and get a stoma. I don’t fully remember the whole process. I just know I was in excruciating pain."
After her surgery, Erin immediately felt the difference that having a stoma had. For her, it meant that she was finally pain-free.
She said: "A stoma was always a positive thing for me. The pain I suffered while having ulcerative colitis is like nothing I have ever experienced. Having a stoma took that pain away and give me a quality of life.
"I don’t have to worry about what foods I eat, or constantly worry where the toilet is and I can go to work and enjoy plans with my family and friends. Without my stoma, I wouldn’t be able to do these things and I am aware of that which makes me grateful for the small things.
"I built myself back up and returned back to gymnastics. Doctors were unsure if this would be achievable but I had my mind set on it and with the help of my parents, coaches and stoma nurse, I was back. I achieved my A-Levels, went to university and did a degree in Irish before completing my PGCE. I am now in a job that I love teaching Irish full time.
"As hard as an experience as it was to be so sick at a young age, it has definitely given me the resilience and determination that has got me to where I am today."
Reflecting on her journey, Erin says she now realises the importance of her surgery and why she chooses to celebrate that day.
She said: "Now I realise the severity of my illness and how lucky I am to be here. During the first surgery, my bowel perforated in the surgeon’s hands. Had I not been rushed to surgery at that time, it could have been a very different story. So my stomaversary is my celebration of still of overcoming every challenge that was thrown at me."
Erin knows she was lucky with the support network she has around her, and encouraged others who are going through a similar process to reach out.
She said: "I would not have the attitude or outlook I have today without my mammy and daddy. I was very young and didn’t fully understand what was going on but they never let me see any fear or worry. As an adult now, I realise how hard that was for them and realise that they were really the strongest people throughout that experience. I have a huge family and they all supported us in any way they could.
"To anyone going through the same thing, try to look at the positives - there are so many! Find some people to talk to, there are a group of us here in Derry that have a group chat and meet up for a coffee every so often and it is a great support network especially for anyone who is newly adjusting.
"I’m always willing to chat so feel free to find me on Facebook and send me a message. You will get your lease of life back again eventually and that is worth so much more than a belly without a bag. I think the bag looks cool anyway."
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