Blog posts by Billie Anderson

Billie used to ride ponies before she became unwell and had stoma surgery. She’s promised herself she’ll get back in the saddle one day, but for now she is more than happy to walk her neighbour’s dog, Beau, and is feeling grateful for the positive affect Beau has had on her.

Billie lost her job due to the coronavirus pandemic and was upset at first, but now she’s realised it was a blessing in disguise and has been using her new freedom to rediscover her passions during lockdown.

With Father’s Day on the way, Billie takes some time to think about her relationship with her dad and how his support helped her through her diagnosis and stoma surgery.

Billie is a self-proclaimed foodie, so when she developed ulcerative colitis her relationship with food changed dramatically. Read how this affected her and how her stoma brought joy back to her life.

Billie has experienced the feelings of isolation that come with IBD and having a stoma. After surgery, she took to social media where a whole community of people welcomed her and she no longer felt alone. Billie now uses her voice to help others.

Around 50% of people with a stoma or IBD count themselves as disabled (according to Billie’s recent poll), but struggle to explain why. In this blog, Billie explores her personal conflict with identifying as disabled…