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“After being in and out of hospitals over the years I was
eventually told the news at the age of 16 that major surgery
was inevitable.
“At first, the surgery was a success, but after several
complications and a near-death experience, I had no option
but to undergo further surgery, which required me having an
ileostomy bag.”
Brittani didn’t let the surgery derail her career. She just
tweaked her approach to ensure she could keep doing what
she loved.
“I learnt not to eat at least one to two hours leading up to
going for a surf and I surfed in a one-piece swimsuit, at times
a wetsuit as well to keep everything in place on my stomach.
“I had a few mishaps with leakage and irritation whilst
surfing with the bag but it was all worth it in the end just to
be doing something I loved, and I still continued to travel and
achieve a lot with my surfing.”
2009 presented a new set of challenges when Brittani
broke her ankle in two places. That meant five months out
of the water. During this time, her surgeon felt it would be a
good idea to reverse the surgery and remove the bag. While
this would seem like a time to celebrate, for Brittani it was a
daunting process.
“The bag had been the best thing for me and my health.
I did not know what the outcome would be without it. With
the outcome of the reversal unknown, I was scared that things
would go back to being as bad as they were before I had the
original surgery in 2007.”
However, for the first time in 16 years, Brittani received a
positive medical report. In 2012, her first colonoscopy since
the surgery showed that she was in remission. The positive
news didn’t last forever. In 2015, Brittani had to have ileostomy
bag surgery again.
“I spent 10 months of 2015 out of action and went through
several different surgeries and hospital visits. In the end, I
had 20 centimetres of my small bowel removed, and had the
ileostomy reversed again after just nine months.”
Brittani started 2016 full of hope but it wasn’t long before
she relapsed—a relapse that she is still dealing with.
“I am doing all I can to get on top of things and regain my
health. It’s been a long road, but I am determined I am on the
right path and things will only continue to improve.”
Her ability to still compete internationally even though
she hasn’t been able to consistently train for three years is
incredible. Every day, whether it’s in the gym or in the water, is
full of challenges presented by the disease, as well as the side
effects that stem from its treatment.
Fatigue is a huge problem for Brittani and fellow Crohn’s
sufferers. When Brittani started training again she could only
get through one session of personal training a week, and
some weeks, none at all.
Brittani also must contend with the unique challenges that
surfing presents as a sport.
“Surfing comes down to not only your ability but also
your ability to adapt to the ever-changing conditions of
Mother Nature, competing with other competitors, as well as
personal judgement.
“Overcoming these obstacles can be difficult, especially
when I am unwell, which affects my ability to perform. Crohn’s
presents many symptoms, all of which affect performance both
mentally and physically, although I have learnt to understand
my limits and have become stronger from my obstacles.”
Brittani is the poster girl of living fearlessly, her tenacity is
testament to what people can achieve if they see obstacles
as something to be overcome. Although, even Brittani knows
that this is something that is easier said than done.
“I am slowly getting better at dealing with obstacles. I also
gain inspiration from other people, and to know how many
people I also inspire gives me the motivation to keep going
and not to give in to this debilitating disease.
“I am human, and have my down days, or even weeks…
but at the end of the day, I am still here and that is the main
thing. I try work on balance, which can be a difficult juggling
act. Surfing for me is a release, it calms my state of mind and
it is the one place I can forget about my worries.
“Living with Crohn’s disease does not mean you must live life
with limitations. The possibilities are endless—you just have
to start believing in yourself. Having a bowel disease does not
make you weird, weak, gross, ugly, or unsexy, or any less of
a person. If anything, it gives you a deeper appreciation for
everything around you, makes you stronger, more unique and
more valuable. We all experience our good and bad days, but
it’s important you don’t give up.”
For more information, visit:
www.crohnsandcolitis.com.au
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