Teen’s Life Transformed by Stoma Bag
Teigan Griffiths, a teenager from Gilfach Goch, shared her harrowing experience of battling a severe bowel condition that once left her weighing just five stone. She revealed that her health struggles began at the age of 16 when she started experiencing excruciating stomach pains while starting her A level course at Gwent College. Despite being put on 10 sachets of laxatives a day, Teigan was only able to go to the toilet every two to three weeks, causing her weight to plummet drastically.
For the next two years, Teigan endured numerous hospital visits, grappling with severe bowel issues and even facing threatening sepsis. However, her life took a positive turn in spring 2023 when doctors made a life-changing decision to remove her bowel and fit her with a stoma bag. This intervention marked a turning point in Teigan’s health journey, enabling her to regain control of her life and pursue her dreams.
Teigan, who recently achieved exceptional grades in her A levels, expressed her gratitude for the life-saving stoma bag, which she affectionately nicknamed “Roma the Stoma.” Since the surgery, Teigan’s weight has increased to six and a half stone, allowing her to enjoy food without pain. She now aims to reach a healthier weight of seven and a half stone and is determined to pursue her dream of becoming a police officer.
Reflecting on her challenging three-year ordeal, Teigan credited the unwavering support of her family and college for keeping her spirits high during the darkest times. Despite the uncertainties surrounding the cause of her condition, Teigan remains resilient and optimistic about the future. She hopes to inspire others by demonstrating that living with a stoma does not diminish one’s aspirations or achievements.
As she continues her journey towards recovery and empowerment, Teigan embodies resilience and determination, proving that with courage and support, obstacles can be overcome. Her story serves as a testament to the transformative power of medical interventions like stoma bags in improving the quality of life for individuals facing health challenges.