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I was diagnosed with severe Crohn’s disease in September 2014, at only 27 years old and weighed a tiny 6st 12lbs. 

Crohn's disease is a relatively uncommon condition. There are currently 115,000 people living with the condition in the UK.  Crohn's disease is a long-term condition that causes inflammation of the lining of the digestive system. Inflammation can affect any part of the digestive system, from the mouth to the back passage, but most commonly occurs in the last section of the small intestine (ileum) or the large intestine (colon).  Common symptoms can include; abdominal pain, diarrhoea (with blood and mucus), unintended weight loss and severe fatigue.  Crohn’s disease can also cause: Arthritis, Osteoporosis, Anaemia, extreme fatigue, eye, skin and liver inflammation, anxiety and depression.  There's currently no cure for Crohn's disease, so the aim of treatment is to stop the inflammatory process, relieve symptoms (induce and maintain remission) and avoid surgery wherever possible. The first treatment offered to reduce symptoms is usually steroid medication. 

I was very poorly from May 2014 until September 2014. I had many examinations at my GP practice in Bishop Auckland and referred to a consultant at Nuffield Health in Stockton. I was finally admitted to James Cook Hospital and diagnosed.  

My symptoms were: going to the toilet too frequently, bloated, abdominal pain, nausea, sickness, weight loss, blood shot eyes, mouth ulcers, tiredness and fatigue, pale, periods stopped and hair loss. 

The disease has been found in my large bowel and small bowel (and possibly my oesophagus).

When I was admitted to hospital for 1 week I received IV steroids, IV antisickness, calcium tablets, multivitamins, paracetamol and on a feeding tube. 

When I left hospital I was on an 8 week course of Prednisolone (steroids), calcium tablets, multivitamins, high level nutritional/energy drinks and paracetamol.

I temporarily ate a low residue diet (low fibre, no whole-wheat, limited vegetables, limited fruit, no pips, skins and seeds, no nuts) and was referred to a dietician. 

My condition was managed by fortnightly self-injections of 40mg Humira (trade name for Adalimumab) since being diagnosed. 

Humira helps people with certain inflammatory diseases. It does this by blocking a part of the immune system. However, this part of the immune system also helps fight infection. This means Humira can make you more likely to get infections or make any infection that you may have worse, such as; colds. 

There are particular foods I'm unable to eat due to having Humira injections: cheeses have to be pasteurised, no raw steaks, eggs have to be cooked, no pate and no shell fish. 

The Humira injections deliveries have to be arranged with a special company, signed for and stored in a fridge.  As I work full-time my dad kindly arranges these deliveries on my behalf.

I have my bloods checked at my GPs every 3 months. I attend 3-6 monthly appointments with my Gastroenterologist and IBD Nurse at James Cook Hospital.  I have the annual flu jab at my GPs. I attend 6 monthly check ups at the dentist rather than yearly as my immune system is low.  I'm unable to use sunbeds and need to be careful in the sun. I'm unable to take Ibrufen and any anti-inflammatory medication. 

Sadly I was only in remission for 1 year and suffered a flare up/relapse which began in October 2015. I lost 1 1/2 stone in 8 weeks and dropped to 8st 4lbs.  Following tests, a flexible sigmoidoscopy (camera) and upping my medication to weekly Humira injections, I was temporarily on steroids, calcium tablets and temporarily eating a low residue diet again.

I experienced the following side effects of being on quite a high dose of steroids: trouble sleeping, wired, nervousness/anxiety, headaches, acne, hair loss, fluid retention around face and stomach, weight gain and increased appetite. 

I suffered with hair loss following my relapse and it is still continuing to grow back years later.

Frustratingly there is no reason what causes a flare up/relapse.

I am prescribed SunVit-D3 Vitamin D tablets and Ferrous Fumarate Iron tablets as I have deficiencies due to having Crohn’s. I have to pay for my medication. However, luckily I do not pay for the Humira injections.

I was diagnosed with IBS (Irritable Bowel Syndrome) when I was 18 years old too.  I was advised by my Gastroenterologist last year to try the Low Fodmap Diet which indicated I have a gluten intolerance. I have been eating a gluten free diet coming up a year which has improved my symptoms. 

Unfortunately in September 2016 I started suffering again… I experienced swollen, inflamed, achy, stiff and painful joints and muscles.  In January 2017 I was diagnosed with Lupus Disease. It is possible I have developed this disease from my Crohn’s medication Humira or it could be just a coincidence.  

My Gastroenterologist and Rheumatologist have decided as my Crohn’s is severe, I’m on the top medication and a high dosage, and respond well to Humira that I continue with this Crohn’s medication and need to manage the joint pain. Prednisolone steroids (and Adcal-D3 Calcium Carbonate and Vitamin D3 tablets) have been prescribed to manage the pain.

Lupus Disease is an incurable immune system illness and mainly and it can affect any part of the body.  The two major symptoms are joint and muscle pain and an extreme tiredness that won't go away no matter how much you rest. Other symptoms are: rashes, depression, anaemia, feverishness, headaches, possible hair loss and mouth ulcers may all be part of the pattern of lupus.

I’m unable to participate in high impact exercise. I had to request doctors’ notes to terminate my gym membership and for a recent spa day including treatments which cost me £20 each.

Unfortunately these diseases has affected every aspect of my life... work, social life, relationships and everyday living and feel restricted to live the life I want to live.

I don't want your sympathy I just want to raise awareness of this invisible illness. I want to improve lives to those living with Crohn’s. I want to raise funds to help finding a cure. 

We can beat Crohn’s! 

My boyfriend, Simon and I are participating in the Walk It! for Crohn’s (5k walk) in Newcastle on 27 May 2017.

Any contributions are greatly appreciated. 

Thank you for taking the time to read my journey and your generosity in advance.

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I have attached some pictures when I was poorly in 2014