A WOMAN who has undergone dozens of surgeries over more than two decades is encouraging others not to let their disabilities define them.
Emma Sheppard had been suffering with "agonising" stomach pain since she was eight, however, she said doctors initially thought it was psychological - a result of bullying - and left her believing it was "all in [her] head" for years.
With her symptoms continuing, the now 42-year-old from Dudley underwent further tests and was finally diagnosed with interstitial cystitis, also known as 'painful bladder syndrome', which led to a series of surgeries.
Ms Sheppard has had her bladder, uterus, and cervix removed, as well as parts of her colon and bowel, among other procedures.
In total, she has had 35 surgeries, with her most recent on October 7 to remove her rectum.
Ms Sheppard has had several organs removed, including her bladder, uterus, part of her colon and her rectum (Image: Emma Sheppard / SWNS)
Ms Sheppard, who has not been able to work because of her constant hospital admissions, said: "It's taken its toll.
"Constantly being in and out of hospital - I spent a lot of time feeling like I was wasting away.
"Having organs removed, like my womb... It just feels like something is missing.
"I'd sit and look in the mirror and I hated what I saw.
"I just thought, 'I've got a life to be living. And I'm just sitting here.'"
It wasn't until Ms Sheppard was 23 that she was diagnosed with interstitial cystitis, but she faced complications from procedures, leading to more surgeries.
The pain during that period was "excruciating" and she "begged" her consultant for another laparoscopy so he could see the issue.
She said: "When I was 31, I asked to have my neobladder [a surgically created bladder] removed and a urostomy done so I could have a bag.
"They told me they didn't think it was a good idea because of the number of surgeries I had had.
"But I begged them. I said, 'Please, I can't live like this for the rest of my life.'
"So I had the neobladder removed and the urostomy done and it stopped all the infections. It saved my life."
Ms Sheppard has been diagnosed with interstitial cystitis endometriosis and chronic constipation, with part of her colon "dying" (Image: Emma Sheppard / SWNS)
Ms Sheppard later developed further bowel issues and suffered with chronic constipation, which forced her to turn to A&E due to the pain.
She was eventually referred to a bowel specialist who discovered that she had no blood supply going to her colon, leading to her needing a colostomy bag.
"He told me I should have been dead," Ms Shepard said.
During that time, she was also diagnosed with endometriosis.
She is hopeful that her surgery last month could be her last procedure. "I'd love to go back to work," she said.
Despite her struggles, Ms Sheppard has found a new life in recent years - both through her partner, who she met via an online platform for people with stomas, and through a new passion for pole-dancing.
She said: "I didn't think I'd meet anyone. I didn't think anyone would want me with two bags.
"But he's my soulmate. He's incredible.
"This January I said to him, 'I really want to learn pole dancing.' He said I should go for it and I did, joining The Jewels Academy.
"It's an amazing place to be. The people there are so supportive.
Among her health battles, the 42-year-old from Dudley found a passion for pole dancing (Image: Emma Sheppard / SWNS)
"It's given me my self-confidence back. I've been able to do things I never thought I would."
Emma said she wanted to share her story to encourage others to "embrace their bags".
She said: "I just want people to know that it doesn't matter if you have a bag - or multiple bags - you can do anything.
"They're not disgusting. They saved your life. They're part of you.
"If people don't like them, that's their problem.
"No matter what your limitations are through having a disability, it doesn't have to stop you from living your dreams."