A PATIENT whose life was saved and transformed after being forced to have an operation he had put off for years is backing a hospital campaign to spread the word.

Dave Rooney, 31, is urging other sufferers not to be concerned if they need an ostomy - an opening in the stomach which takes urine and waste out of the body which is then collected in pouches.

After being at death's door with chronic Crohn’s disease, his life has been totally changed, allowing him to set up his own business and he and his wife to have a third child.

“I can’t tell you what a difference this has made, it’s astonishing. For years I avoided the operation, I didn’t want to have a bag, but it’s changed everything,” said Mr Rooney from Bedale, North Yorkshire.

“After extended stays in hospital and medication I eventually had to have an emergency operation. My wife was told to expect the worst, but as soon as I had the operation it improved. Now life is fantastic compared to what it was three years ago.

“My message to people who think it is going to be a complete nightmare, the reality is it gives you your life back.

“I think I’m so much better than I was before I was ill, because I’m so grateful to have a second chance at life, and you appreciate everything.”

Mr Rooney is supporting the Friarage Hospital’s special open day for ostomy patients at the Golden Lion Hotel in Northallerton on Tuesday May 24 from 11am to 2pm.

Specialist nurse Judith Smith said: “We hold our open day every two years. It has always been well attended and beneficial for ostomists in Hambleton and Richmondshire as the event provides an opportunity to see new products, talk to representatives from the manufacturers and meet with ourselves.

“We look forward to welcoming patients past and present and their carers for an update and to see how things have progressed in stoma care.”

Mr Rooney added “Living with a stoma can at first feel like an isolating and potentially embarrassing condition. The open day is a great opportunity to realise that you are not alone and that there are lots of people just like you who live happy and successful lives.

“The products and services on offer make life after surgery not only normal, but happy and enjoyable. We should be proud of the courage we have shown on the road to recovery, and embrace who we are with pride and dignity.”