Going Full Circle Three Years On

April 20, 2022

Etape Loch Ness 2022 will mark three years to the day since cyclist’s first Crohn’s operation

24^th April 2022 will mark three years to the day since Robert Cowie received emergency bowel surgery, before being diagnosed with Crohn’s Disease eight weeks later.

This emergency bowel resection removed a part of Robert’s large and small bowel that was badly damaged. By August 2019, Robert was on a number of medications to help manage his condition, and it wasn’t until January 2020 that he could return to work as a firefighter, albeit in an altered role.

“I was due to commence full duties after re-training by the summer however COVID-19 had other plans,” Robert explains.

“The global pandemic affected everyone in some way and, for me, it meant shielding at home. By the end of 2020 though I had made good progress with training, both physically and for work, and I was looking forward to a return to full duties by early 2021. Again, another lockdown in January and February whilst shielding, and I started feeling unwell again. After so many months of improving I was hospitalised in mid-February 2021 with a large abdominal abscess.”

Robert’s issues continued until July when he was hospitalised for a third time and the decision was made that surgery would be the best course of action. The surgery was a success and a stoma helped relieve his symptoms.

“Just having a stoma was a strange, new thing to deal with but it’s amazing what the body can go through and how quickly something can become the ‘new normal’.

“I signed up for the Etape Loch Ness whilst I had my stoma. When I saw the date of 24th of April 2022, three years to the day since my first operation, I couldn’t resist! It has given me a much-needed target and would signify my health coming back to me…going full circle if you like.”

To Robert’s surprise, the reversal operation was scheduled quickly, taking place on 17^th December 2021. Again, this operation was a success, reattaching Robert’s bowel that had been used to create the stoma. Robert was discharged on Christmas Eve, just in time to relax over the festive period, thanks to the amazing support from NHS staff and his family and friends.

“Since the end of January, I’ve been working on the spin bike and doing some basic core exercises in preparation for my return to the road!”

Through his participation in the Etape Loch Ness, Robert also hopes to raise awareness and money for Crohn’s and Colitis. Robert will be joined on the day by three friends, who have been of great support throughout his recovery.

“My plans for the future are simple: to make the most of life and enjoy it. Crohn’s is now a part of my life, but it does not define who I am. As I get better, it’ll take a back seat. I am still a parent to my son, I will return to full duties as a firefighter, and I will remain as active as I was before. Obviously taking a smart approach is the key to avoid overdoing anything, I’ll always listen to my medical teams and their advice and keep a healthy balanced diet.”

Robert also hopes to help others with Crohn’s Disease: “I aim to set up a social media page to give another platform to base my future activities and fundraising events. Throughout my illness, I found it was a helpful coping mechanism to hear other people’s – mostly strangers – thoughts, stories and experiences. I think something that everyone has shared throughout this ongoing Covid pandemic and isolation is not to take relationships for granted. Whether it’s family, partners, friends, work colleagues or neighbours, it is important to talk and to help each other. Mental health is just as important as physical health and getting that balance right can only help you if life gets a bit tougher.

“Not to be clichéd, but recovery from illness really is a marathon not a sprint. There will be days where you feel terrible – not wanting to get out of bed terrible. So suddenly getting up having a shower or making breakfast seems like a win, so take it as one! Keep trying to move forward, keep your brain busy and, most importantly, share how you are feeling with loved ones and, if that isn’t enough, don’t be afraid to seek professional help.

“Don’t be ashamed to admit when it’s all getting too much. I have been working with the same psychologist for about a year now and they have given me so much and guided me towards being more confident and more resilient to deal with what’s happened. For others going through the same or something similar, I’d tell them to never give up, you’ll get there.”

We wish Robert all the best for his recovery and for the Etape Loch Ness.

To find out more about Robert’s story or to donate to his fundraiser, please visit: www.justgiving.com/Robert-Cowie6