Introduce yourself.
My name is Rua, and my pronouns are she/her. I started Sky Sirens in 2018 when I saw an ad for champagne, vegan cake and lyra. I have done burlesque, sling and lyra – and I am currently in Rubies Lyra. My goal is to learn as much lyra as I can because I love the strength that it gives me.
Tell us about your condition?
I was diagnosed with Crohn’s disease when I was 21 years old – after 5 years of struggle. A lot of doctors thought I was just being dramatic and couldn’t work out my symptoms. There aren’t a lot of known cases of Crohn’s in Ireland. They tried giving me steroids and experimental drugs, but nothing worked. I ended up getting bowel perforation and had emergency surgery for a permanent ileostomy. I’ve now had my stoma for 17 years.
An ileostomy is a surgical opening in the abdominal wall, typically made when the colon is removed. The stoma is covered with an ileostomy bag that collects faecal matter.
How does your condition affect you in class?
In class, it is generally okay. The main issue is the fatigue that comes with it. The only thing that I can’t do on the right side is a Crescent Moon – not due to pain, but to prevent a poo bag explosion! So I just do it on the other side!
I am very open about my ileostomy with my teachers and fellow students. Everyone has been accepting of me, sometimes a little curious.
What do you want people to know about Crohn’s disease?
I want people to know about the fatigue – and going to the toilet 3-4 times an hour. But most people don’t want to talk about poo!
