#MyOstomyStory - Hi, I'm Kaitlyn! - Uncover Ostomy
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#MyOstomyStory – Hi, I’m Kaitlyn!

52 surgeries & 6 ostomies. That’s me.

Just moments following my birth, the nurses realized I had an imperforated anus, which meant that the opening was missing. I was immediately rushed to SickKids hospital in Toronto and, during my first few days there (and first few days of life,) I was given a colostomy bag.

Over the next several months, I underwent numerous surgeries to combat the complications of my birth. One of the surgeries was to treat “Fundoplication,” which was where the upper curve of my stomach was wrapped around my esophagus. I was given a Gastrostomy, a feeding tube which was placed through the abdominal skin and went directly into the stomach wall, so that I could get proper nutrition.

By the time I turned 1, I was diagnosed with a rare disease called VACTERL Syndrome. Each letter stands for a birth abnormality that I had already faced, or would be facing as I grew:

  • Vertebral
  • Anal atresia
  • Cardiac defect
  • Tracheal-Esophageal
  • Renal
  • Limbs

 

After more surgeries, my colostomy was reversed with the creation of an opening in my anus. This was great news for one part of my body, but, unfortunately, another part wasn’t working so well.   My kidneys and bladder became troublesome and a temporary urostomy was put in place.

To make my daily life more manageable, I was also given a Mitroffanoff – a passage way from the abdominal wall to the bladder created with the appendix. However, after a while, complications arose and the Mitroffanoff ceased to function, so my urostomy became my main source of urine output. While having another urostomy wasn’t the best case scenario, this gave my body time to heal from all the trauma I had been through thus far.

I had my urostomy in place for many years, but eventually, a new channel way was created for me to empty my bladder. Slightly different from the Mitroffanoff, this passage way was made out of my bowels, and was called a Monti. Once my Monti was fully functional, the urostomy was removed.

So we finally got my bladder system in check, but there were still issues with my bowels that needed to be resolved due to my imperforated anus. At the age of 7, I was given a cecostomy, where a tube placed in the abdominal wall that goes into the cecum and is used to flush out the intestines. This is currently how I manage my bowels.

Only a few years ago, when I was 16, my Gastrostomy was removed, as feeding and medication absorption started to become normal. Well, as normal as they could be!

It’s been a long journey, to say the least.

At this point in my life, at only 20 years old, I’ve had at least 1, 2, or 3 ostomies at any given time. You could say I’m a bit of an ostomy expert!

While my life has been full of hospitals, doctors, medical supplies, and surgeries, I thank the doctors and health professionals every day for giving me a chance at life. Without their skills and knowledge, I would not be here today.

I also thank my parents every day for, not only always being by my side, but also for helping me live my life to fullest! They have allowed me to play soccer, take dance classes and to just be a kid. Their support has also allowed me to follow my passions, as I study Health Studies at York University. I don’t know where I’d be without them.

Although I’ve “grown up” with my ostomies, I still have an untold future. Where my life will go next, I don’t know. What I do know, though, is that I am so excited to be here on Uncover Ostomy, sharing #MyOstomyStory with you!

There will be lots more of me to come!

Oh, and yes, I’ve had 52 surgeries and 6 ostomies: a colostomy, gastrostomy, Mitrofanoff, urostomy, cecostomy, and a Monti! At this current moment? I’m just rocking my cecostomy and Monti 😝

Kaitlyn O'Brien
kaitlyn@uncoverostomy.org
9 Comments
  • Domenic
    Posted at 17:34h, 06 October Reply

    Wow, you have been through hell and back and still so positive and seem to have a great sense of humour!!
    Hope to hear more stories from you.

  • Josh Lipovetsky
    Posted at 17:58h, 06 October Reply

    Rock on, Kaitlyn! Thank you for sharing your story 😀 Hope you’re feeling excellent now, despite all these surgeries. May you continue to get well. To Love and Healing <3

  • Jene
    Posted at 18:26h, 06 October Reply

    An incredible story about an incredible woman! Thank you for sharing!!!

  • Edward McComas
    Posted at 18:33h, 06 October Reply

    Kaitlyn;

    Welcome ma’am (remember, I am from the southern US, ma’am is a sign of respect).

    You have already demonstrated that you are an inspiration to ostomates everywhere. Your story is just amazing, and I applaud your wonderful outlook on life and your support for Ostomy Uncovered.

    Old guys like me (I just turned 59) don’t do a lot for encouraging others with ostomies (or those facing that situation).

    But beautiful and vibrant young women (and young good looking men) like you and Jess absolutely show the ostomy world that this is nothing to fear, and that it does not control your life.

    So Kaitlyn, I thank you in advance for all that you are going to do to help ostomates all over the world.

    Stay strong and be well young lady.

    Ed (in Alabama)

  • Laura MacLeod
    Posted at 02:19h, 07 October Reply

    Wow kaitlyn! You are an inspiration and a force to be reckoned with. Thanks for sharing your story and your positive outlook.

  • Gera louw
    Posted at 06:00h, 07 October Reply

    You are amazing! So brave!

  • Val Owen
    Posted at 06:51h, 07 October Reply

    You are a rare gem! Brave because you have been through so much pain but mostly BRAVE because you don’t miss a moment to LIVE!

  • Christine
    Posted at 00:01h, 03 February Reply

    From the first time I saw Kaitlyn on the Sick Kids commercials several years ago, I was beyond impressed with this young lady. Despite all of the surgeries and setbacks she continues to be upbeat, positive and an inspiration to others. I would love to sit and chat with her and listen to where her life path is now. Best wishes to you, Kaitlyn as you move forward with your education and fulfill your dreams. Sending lots of love and big hugs your way. You. Are. AWESOME!

  • Marilyn Milani
    Posted at 12:44h, 10 February Reply

    You are an amazing young lady !!!! You are such a wonderful advocate for the care givers and doctors at Sick Kids who have taken such excellent care of you from birth til the present. You are stronger than anyone I know to persevere through your medical journey !!! You look so very cute and healthy today even though I know your journey still continues !!! God Bless You !!!!!

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