We recently came across a message from a Mum, Rachael, on social media looking for a little help to print her daughter Hannah’s (6) book. We just loved the title ‘Getting the Poo Out’ – we couldn’t have put it better ourselves. The book is illustrated and is about everyone who cared for Hannah and includes her top tips for hospital stays. It’s so inspiring to see someone so young create something so personal and helpful.
Hannah has been under the care of Royal Hospital for Children and Young People Edinburgh since 2021. It wasn’t until we spoke to Rachael that we found out Hannah was one of our many Qufora IrriSedo Flow users. And, as mum puts it:
“Qufora has really been a game changer for Hannah…her quality of life is much much much improved
We caught up with Rachael on Hannah’s enthusiasm and openness and what’s next for our budding author.
What’s behind the inspiration for the book?
Hannah’s inspiration for the book was an artist called Jason Willsher-Mills, she had seen his exhibition at the Wellcome Collection over the summer. Inspired by him, she wanted to be able to tell her story to those who had helped her, from her perspective to say thank you. She has a number of people who support her from the paediatrician Dr Philippa Wood who has been a real advocate for Hannah, to the Specialist Bowel Nursing Team and the Play Therapy Team.
How do you encourage Hannah to be so honest?
We have always been really open and honest with Hannah about why she needs her medication, and now why she is using the Quofora IrriSedo system. This allows her to make choices about what she is doing to do, and feel in control of her condition. She is a partner with all the people around her in her care plan. Despite being only 6, she is a vocal advocate for “bum water” (washouts) as they make her feel so much better – though they are not a magic bullet.
Hannah understands her own condition, she knows what to look for, and the warning signs when things aren’t going well. She has been supported by the Play Therapy Team to be able to do this as she can get very overwhelmed when things aren’t going in the right direction.
What’s been key to Hannah and the success with her irrigation?
We work hard with Hannah for her to understand her condition in an open and age – appropriate way. We talk openly about poo and wee, and there is no shame in any of it. She understands that lots of children need help with different things, and whilst she is very good at lots of things, and has lots of talents that other children don’t have – she needs help with this one tiny thing – “Getting the Poo Out”.
