A Glasgow firefighter who had life-saving surgery on a blocked bowel, is back at peak fitness, cycling 100km in a race around Loch Ness.
Robert Cowie (36) has just completed the gruelling Etape Loch Ness, Cycle Sportive with friends – and is thanking his Inflammatory Bowel Disease team at the Royal Infirmary in Glasgow for making it possible.
Previously fit Robert became seriously unwell exactly three years ago when he was admitted to the Royal with a swollen and blocked bowel and following surgery he was diagnosed with Crohn’s disease. The last three years have been something of a rollercoaster and have seen Robert being fitted with a temporary stoma and having that reversed again.
Robert said: “I want to thank my doctor Jack Winter and the gastro team at the Royal for their support and expertise over the last three years. Getting back to fitness has been a long road and I am so grateful for everything they have done.
“I am back to work, albeit office duties but I hope in the next few weeks to be back on the fire engines, doing the only job I have ever done. I’m back training in the gym with the guys and enjoying being part of the team and the banter that goes along with that.
“My team at the Royal have been amazing. They were always friendly and willing to explain everything to me and nothing was too much bother. Nothing was taboo either – I mean we all go to the toilet but people don’t usually talk about it! Nothing was off limits and if they didn’t know an answer they would go and find out. I am able to call them anytime, which is great to know.”
The pandemic had a big impact on Robert and he needed to shield for several months. At the height of the pandemic Robert found himself back in the Royal Infirmary.
He said: “Due to the drugs I was on, I had a lower immunity, so had to shield. But certain things couldn’t wait and in February 2021 I was back in hospital with an abdominal abscess. It happened so quickly that the doctor cut and drained it on the ward – as it was about to burst.
“Having a temporary stoma was also difficult as a young man. I suppose it’s something you associate with older people and I saw myself as being in my prime. But I just had to get on with it and trust the experts. It’s now been reversed and I’m getting stronger every day.
“On a positive note, it did relieve a lot of my symptoms and got me on my feet again quickly!”
“When I signed up for the race I still had my stoma, so I used it as a goal to aim for. I had to build up my distances and I didn’t really know until the other day if my fitness would be good enough.”
Robert raced to scenic course with friends Iain and David, as well as school pal Donald Straiton.
He said: “We’ve been pals all the way through school – we were even born on exactly the same day 28 August 1985. I’ve done a lot of cycling in the past but Donald bought his first road bike this year, so he’s now to this and did really well.
“Sunday was a great day for both of us. For him it was his first big race and for me, well I now feel I am getting a part of myself back – and I have lots to look forward to.”
Consultant Gastroenterologist Dr Jack Winter said: “The pandemic has been very difficult for many and especially for people like Robert who have been living with immune conditions such as Crohn’s disease and who have had to shield and be more patient when waiting for surgical treatments.
“Robert has always had tremendous determination and optimism despite his recent health problems, and has managed to maintain excellent fitness, which is a real tribute to him. He has received excellent care from the surgical team in our hospital, who have worked hard to facilitate his operations during challenging times. This has made a real difference to his health.
“As a fellow cyclist, I am absolutely delighted that Robert has completed the Etape Loch Ness, and that he is returning to his important work with the Fire Service. Crohn’s disease is unfortunately a chronic health condition and the IBD team look forward to continuing to work in partnership with Robert to maintain him in good health. “