'I'm after worrying and stressing the whole way through my 20s' - Laois woman (29)
A young woman from Laois was diagnosed with a rare genetic disorder at just 18 years of age
Grief comes in many forms, and for 29-year-old Doireann from Laois, it means grieving her life before a rare diagnosis.
Doireann Tiernan was diagnosed with FAP (Familial Adenomatous Polyposis) at just 18 years old after her father discovered he had the condition himself.
Doireann had no idea just how much this condition was about to take over her life.
The young Laois woman was recently on a podcast ‘Family Flowers Only’ to bravely share her story with others.
Doireann’s long battle with the condition has involved major surgeries, ongoing medical treatment and the reality of facing further procedures in the future.
Her condition affects so much more than just her physical health; it also brings emotional, practical and financial challenges that are often unseen by others.
Doireann was told at 18 years old that she would have to have her stomach removed, but she refused to do it. She held it off, instead going to regular hospital appointments, until she had no choice but to go through with it at 27 years old.
“To remove my whole stomach at 27 years of age, by God does that put life into perspective for you. You're given every side effect under the sun, like everything could go wrong. You could lose your appetite. You could be peg fed. You could be in hospital for weeks or months. You lose your life”.
“You're still living, but everything is gone. You might not be able to go back to work. You're travelling up and down for a while afterwards. I kind of just said, right, well, if it takes me out pain, I'll do what I have to do,” Doireann said on the podcast.
Doireann said that only in the last couple of years, did she realize when her grief actually started.
“When reality hits, it's scary. It's actually just the unknown. I would love to go into my 30s next year with not a care in the world. But I can't see it happening yet.
“I'm after worrying and stressing the whole way through my 20s. I don't know any different anymore. I don't know how to relax. I don't know how to just forget about everything like a normal 29-year-old should. And that's what scares me,” Doireann said.
Doireann’s friends, Marie, Emma, Amy, Courtney, Eve, Maeve and Lynda, have created a GoFundMe to help support their beloved friend Doireann.
The fundraiser will help with the cost of hospital appointments, treatments, travel, accommodation and medical expenses.
“Above all, we want these funds to give Doireann the freedom to focus on herself, her health and her quality of life, without having to worry quite so much about the financial pressures that come alongside her condition,” the GoFundMe says.
“Doireann has shown incredible strength and courage throughout her journey, and we hope this fundraiser will remind her that she is surrounded by people who care deeply about her.
“No donation is too small. Every contribution, no matter how big or small, will make a difference and will be genuinely appreciated. If you are unable to donate, sharing this fundraiser would mean just as much.
“We know we cannot take away the challenges Doireann faces, but together we can help make the journey a little easier,” Doireann’s friends said.
The fundraiser has already collected a massive €8,109 with 181 generous donations.
For those who wish to contribute, you can find the GoFundMe through the link here.