Surgery and complications
If you are living with Crohn's or Colitis, you may be offered surgery as part of your treatment. We know this can be a scary option, but our information goes through all the stages of the process, and should help you feel less alone.
We have separate information about medicines used to treat Crohn's and Colitis.
All information about Crohn's and Colitis
Visit all our information to find out more about Crohn's and Colitis, including symptoms, medicines and practical tips for living with Crohn's and Colitis.
Sign up to our support emails
Have you recently been diagnosed with Crohn’s Disease, Ulcerative Colitis or Microscopic Colitis?
Our eight, bite-sized, weekly emails can help you:
- Understand more about life with your condition
- Read other people’s stories
- Find out about the support that’s available to you
Sign up to our new series of emails to help you navigate life after diagnosis.
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Helpline Service
Temporary closure - 10/06/2026
Our Helpline will be closed from Wednesday 10 June and will reopen at 10am on Monday 15 June.
We may be closed but we have lots of information here on our website.
If you need urgent medical advice you can call NHS 111 or in Northern Ireland phone your local Phone First. In an emergency call 999 or go to your nearest A&E.
If you need emotional support the Samaritans are available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week on 116 123.
We know it can be difficult to live with, or support someone living with Crohn’s or Colitis. But we’re with you. We can give you the right information and support at the right time.
We’re here for everyone.
How Can We Help?
- We can help you understand Crohn’s and Colitis
- Listen and talk about living with IBD
- Help you connect with others in the Crohn’s and Colitis community
- Give you contact details of specialist organisations
- We can support you to live well with Crohn’s or Colitis and provide up-to-date, evidence-based information
Please be aware we’re not medically or legally trained. We cannot provide detailed financial or benefits advice or specialist emotional support.
Please contact us via telephone, email or LiveChat - 10am to 3pm, Monday to Friday (except English bank holidays).
If you need specific medical advice about your condition, your GP or IBD team will be best placed to help.