Laura and Chloe both suffer from Ehlers-Danlos syndrome (EDS), a rare connective tissue disorder. As a result, they experience slow transit constipation and have a pocket which has formed in their bowel called a rectocele. To manage their bowel symptoms, they both use a Qufora bowel irrigation product and this is where their story began.
While scrolling through Instagram, Laura had come across a post by Chloe who was raising awareness for Ehlers-Danlos syndrome (EDS) and the challenges of living with EDS to her 11+ thousand followers. Laura could not believe she had found someone with the same condition as her and because of constipation caused by slow transit in the bowel and a rectocele, also uses the same medical device to allow her to go to the toilet.
Quickly bonding over shared symptoms and experiences, and their Qufora product for bowel irrigation, they developed a supportive relationship. Eventually, they called themselves the Qufora Twins because they never imagined there was someone else who is just like them.
Living with a rare and hidden chronic illness, like Ehlers-Danlos syndrome (EDS), is extremely difficult. Finding someone who can understand exactly each thing you are going through can feel impossible, especially when one of the symptoms is a common taboo – bowel problems. In those with slow transit constipation (sometimes searched as ‘bowel slow transit’), the time taken for stool to pass through the colon is decreased and bowel movements are less frequent, leading to symptoms like straining and harder stools. Other symptoms of constipation caused by slow transit in the bowel include feeling like there is a blockage in the rectum that prevents bowel movements and feeling that stool cannot be completely emptied from the rectum.
Their positivity and openness about bowel dysfunction is admirable and their story shows how talking about bowels can be a natural and even light-hearted conversation. Their open and supportive relationship is their take on breaking down the taboo. Having the symptoms of constipation caused by slow transit in the bowel is their normal, and asking each other “how are your bowels today?” is just like asking someone “how are you today?”.
Watch Laura and Chloe’s story
Meet Laura and Chloe – the Qufora Twins
Imagine finding someone who uses the same medical device as you to go to the toilet to prevent slow transit constipation. It also turns out they have the same chronic illness and symptoms as you and has experienced almost the exact same things you have over the years. You then build a supportive relationship with them over time. But because of your chronic conditions and the large distance between where you both live you have never been able to meet face to face.
We followed their story and to make their relationship even stronger we helped them meet in person for the first time. Watch the videos where Laura and Chloe were thrilled to finally meet and talk about the mutual support they have given each other in recent years.
Supporting each other
Chloe and Laura were finally able to be in the same room and talk about the support they’ve given to each other over the recent years. They shared stories about their unique routines, the funny times they have gone through and how they have worked to eliminate the word ‘taboo’ from their vocabulary.
This was more than just a first meeting. It’s the strengthening of what feels like an already strong bond over something that many people find challenging to live and deal with.
How to treat bowel dysfunction?
The process of managing faecal incontinence or constipation is called “bowel management”.
Understanding bowel irrigation
Bowel irrigation simply involves instilling warm tap water into the rectum via the anus to help emptying the colon.
Bowel care products
We believe everyone deserves the right to bowel irrigation solutions that fit seamlessly into their lives.
Tips & Tricks
Here you will find information on how to maintain a good routine, as well as troubleshooting any problems you may experience.