Stoma Helpline We’re here 24 hours a day: 0800 328 4257
Stoma Helpline We’re here 24 hours a day: 0800 328 4257
My First Game – Jenny Pearson
At our recent wheelchair rugby league game with Sheffield Eagles we had the pleasure of welcoming Eagles player Jenny Pearson to our team. She has had a stoma for a year and spoke to us about returning to the sport after surgery, how playing for us was for her, & how much she enjoys the sport where she regularly represents the Eagles.
Q- can you let us know a bit of background in to why you have an ileostomy?
A- I had repeated bowel twists and bowel motility problems. I tried many medical options and bowel management regimes for over 10 years until there were no other options. I was being admitted to hospital for weeks at a time with Problems. I have now had my ileostomy for a year.
Q- Did you play wheelchair rugby before your stoma surgery?
A- I played enriches rugby before my stoma surgery. I am a disabled wheelchair user so it was a good sport for me. I did hope to return to the sport after my operation. I did have a few reservations on how the impacts would feel post op but I had 4 months off to heal and then got a support belt and guard prescribed and have been fine.
Q- How was your Team Colostomy UK debut?
A- It was really enjoyable. My team mates were friendly and some people were trying the sport for the first time so it was nice to try to encourage people along. Everyone looked to enjoy it and I watched the physical disability team and walking rugby afterwards and it was great to see people in the purple shirts raising awareness and really normalising stomas and stigma.
Q- What advice would you give to anyone thinking of trying wheelchair rugby league?
A -,I would say give it a try for sure. It’s really fun and open to anyone. If people are nervous of the contact I would encourage them to seek support from their stoma nurses and look into stone support garments. It’s nice to do something physical and it’s great for self esteem to not feel fragile and to demonstrate to others that having a doesn’t make us too fragile to participate in sports.
