Episode 23 - Vicki's Story
In Episode 23, I’m joined by Vicki Spillane, COO of Crohn’s & Colitis Ireland, an IBD and stoma warrior, and someone who has faced more than her share of heartbreak and resilience. Vicki was diagnosed with Crohn’s disease at just 13, and later underwent stoma surgery at 25, when she was told her fertility might be affected. Over the years, she experienced multiple miscarriages, and then the painful reality of being told that pregnancy would be too high-risk for her health. She shares what it’s been like to live with this illness from such a young age, the losses she’s carried, and how she’s now turned so much of what she’s lived through into support for others. This episode is about grief, strength, acceptance, and the different ways care and motherhood can show up in a life. Please take care as you listen, as this episode includes discussion of pregnancy loss and medical trauma. If you would like to learn more about Crohn’s & Colitis Ireland, access support, or find upcoming community events, you can connect with them here: Website: https://crohnscolitis.ie/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/crohnscolitisireland/ Linktree (all supports & links): https://linktr.ee/crohnscolitisireland Upcoming Events & Member Supports: https://crohnscolitis.ie/members/events/ If you are living with IBD or supporting someone who is, I hope these links are helpful. Connect with Me: Instagram: @Findingspace_dk Resources & Support: Miscarriage Association of Ireland Tel: 01 873 5702 www.miscarriage.ie Ectopic Pregnancy Ireland www.ectopicireland.ie Féileacáin Tel: 085 249 6464 www.feileacain.ie Pregnancy and Infant Loss Ireland www.pregnancyandinfantloss.ie Gateway Women https://gateway-women.com/bio/ Irish Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy www.iacp.ie Irish Fertility Counsellors Association https://fertilitycounsellors.ie/ Other Support Groups: https://www.hse.ie/eng/about/who/acute-hospitals-division/woman-infants/bereavement-care/bereavement-support-groups/ Music Credit to Purple Planet 55245402
