Cork teen: 'We are warriors and have to fight every day'

It started with inflammation in my gums and I was first treated with antibiotics for a gum infection.

My dentist then sent me to a dental doctor in Cork University Hospital where a biopsy was taken of my gums.

Following this, I was sent to a gastroenterologist who undertook a colonoscopy which led to the diagnosis of Crohn’s disease.

I was initially treated with medication in Crumlin Children’s Hospital which, after 12 months, my body rejected.

I went into a massive flare, which resulted in me getting arthritis in my hips and also led to a break-out of psoriasis all over my body, including my scalp, which led me to partially lose my hair. Thankfully, it was temporary and grew back fairly quickly.

After that, I was put on different medication to treat Crohn’s and arthritis but, after about a year, my body was not accepting it anymore, and was put on yet another new treatment.

In June, 2025, I was admitted into Mercy University Hospital in Cork for a flare and was put on steroids. I stayed in the hospital until August as I kept on picking up infections.

On August 14, my life changed. I collapsed in my hospital room and was rushed for an emergency ileostomy surgery due to my colon perforating.

I now have a permanent ileostomy and continue on medication to treat the Crohn’s in my small intestine. Since I got my ileostomy, my arthritis has completely disappeared.

My attitude today towards inflammatory bowel disease is fairly positive and something I embrace, especially since getting my stoma. My stoma has given me my life back which I am so grateful for.

I had been on medication from a young age, so it is fairly normal now. The only addition is making time to change my bag twice a week which me and my family adapted to fairly quickly.

My friends are amazing. Even when I was home from surgery they were visiting and constantly checking in, for which I am forever grateful for, always offering to help and being very understanding.

On top of that, my school has been amazing adapting to the change and giving me support.

My biggest achievement to date is representing Crohn’s and Colitis Ireland in the Cork St Patrick’s Day parade. I felt so proud to advocate for something so close to my heart and that affects thousands of people in Ireland.

I hope to spread my story and make more people with Crohn’s, ulcerative colitis and stomas, feel less alone, and try to break the stigma around it.

My one message would be that not all battles are visible. We are warriors and have to fight every day just to live. Your disease doesn’t define you. You define yourself.

A fun fact about me, that surprises people when I tell them, because of how much I love my fashion, make-up and music, is that I am a massive Formula 1 fan. I don’t necessarily look like I would enjoy car racing! It’s also a great way to bond with my dad and grandads!

I also adore anything music-related and am obsessed with going to musicals and concerts. My love for theatre runs so deep I named my stoma after Sandy from Grease!

Lydia is currently in fifth year at St Aloysius secondary school in Cork city. She lives at home with her mum Georgina and dad David.

'It takes a village'

IBD is estimated to affect 50,000 people in Ireland, To mark World IBD (Inflammatory Bowel Disease) Day on Tuesday, May 19, the charity Crohn’s & Colitis Ireland is mounting a new campaign called ‘It Takes A Village’ to highlight the role that we can all play in supporting people with the condition.

The campaign aims to highlight the fact that no one person with IBD lives in a vacuum. They are joined by a wide circle of family, friends and many others, travelling that journey alongside them.

For more information on how you can support the campaign, see www.crohnscolitis.ie/ItTakesAVillage

A new hands-on guide, called It Takes A Village, has been published, busting myths, advising on language to use, and to avoid, and offering guidance on how to be a great ally.

Crohn’s & Colitis Ireland has also developed a new hands-on guide and is hosting a webinar on May 19, featuring contributions from Dr Susan Brannick, a clinical psychologist with expertise in IBD, and clinical director with Aware, and Gogglebox Ireland TV critic, Sarah Reilly, who lives with Crohn’s disease.

Both Susan and Sarah will be highlighting the importance of having the support of the ‘village’ when living with IBD, how to go about identifying support networks, and pointing to lots of real-world ways that we can all help. It promises to be essential viewing for all those who can play a role in supporting people with IBD.

To register for the free webinar, visit www.crohnscolitis.ie/ItTakesAVillage