AN AYR woman who has lived with a debilitating bowel condition for nearly 20 years, has told of the barriers she has encountered and overcome.

With World Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD) Day being remembered on Friday, May 19, Kirsty Gibson from Ayr, spoke to the Ayr Advertiser Series about her struggles and how she has overcome them.

Diagnosed with Ulcerative Colitis at the age of seven, it has been nearly 20 years since Kirsty’s diagnosis and she has adapted her day-to-day life and learnt to manage her condition. 

Despite living with her condition such a length of time, Kirsty is an extremely determined young woman who counts herself as fortunate to be able to work full time and has undertaken many hobbies in her spare time. 

She also frequently fundraises for Crohn’s and Colitis UK.

The 26-year-old said: “This November will be the 20th anniversary of my diagnosis.

“I am very aware of my ulcerative colitis and I have medication to take and I go for various blood tests but I do not let it hold me back - I have a full time job as a mental health nurse and it is very rewarding.

“I find that everyone I come in contact with, with the same or similar condition as me is inspiring. 

“One person I find very inspiring is Darren Fletcher who use to play for Manchester United.

“A couple of years ago, he disclosed that he had ulcerative colitis and how much of an impact it had on his career and the status definitely raised Inflammatory Bowel Disease.

“He has done a lot of peer support with people in the same situation and who are having surgery.”

Kirsty often has had to cancel social plans at short notice which makes her feel guilty and last minute plans also make her feel anxious as she may not have access to a toilet when needed.

She added: “My friends sometimes like to do things last minute; however that often increases my anxiety, particularly if it’s a new location as I may not know where the nearest toilet is, which then leads to me worrying about if I would make it to the toilet in time and I often finding myself saying no, and the feelings of guilt kicks in.

“I am looking to help others and to share and make people feel comfortable with themselves now that I am finally comfortable with myself.

“The main thing is not to be scared and to speak about the condition. People are ignorant because they don’t really know what IBD is

“People shouldn’t have to feel embarrassed because everyone goes to the toilet.

“Your condition doesn’t define who you are and you should push for your dreams regardless.

“I never thought I would be a nurse and I haven’t let IBD stop me.”

In a world where bowel problems are still taboo, there is a huge amount of ignorance and a lack of public understanding about Inflammatory Bowel Disease. 

Crohn’s and Colitis UK’s recent patient survey of 10,073 respondents and it revealed that 78 per cent of the general public have a limited awareness and understanding of IBD. 

1 in 210 people are living with these unpredictable, life-long and potentially life-threatening conditions.

For more information and for anyone affected by Inflammatory Bowel disease, please visit https://www.crohnsandcolitis.org.uk/