In the middle of 2017, I started to experience intense stomach pain and fatigue every day, especially after eating food. After multiple visits to the GP, I was told I was probably intolerant to gluten and lactose. My symptoms did not improve, and I had agonising pain and stomach cramps for weeks until my parents took me to A&E in April 2018.

I had several tests which showed I had an intestinal blockage, so I had to have a nasogastric tube until the blockage was gone. After the tube was removed, I had a colonoscopy and I was diagnosed with Crohn's Disease.

Since my diagnosis, I have tried a range of different medications. For a while my Crohn's Disease was under control and I wasn't experiencing any symptoms. In summer 2020, just as I was about to start university, the medication I was on stopped working for me. I had my first serious flare up and ended up in hospital where I could only have water and supplement drinks. This was a low point for me and unfortunately things got worse.

Over the next two months, my Crohn's Disease spiralled out of control because I was accidentally given the wrong medication to take. I lost 15 kilograms and felt weak all the time. After this, I was put on infliximab which made a huge difference. My symptoms improved and I went into remission again.

In 2022 I had another colonoscopy which showed that I had inflammation. I started on a new medication, but I didn't experience much improvement in my condition. I had an MRI scan which showed I had scarring in my small intestine, and I would need to have surgery. In September 2023, I had a bowel resection. I experienced complications and, four days after my planned surgery, I had to have emergency surgery. It was the most scared I'd ever been. Thankfully the surgery went well and I was able to keep my intestine against the odds.

I still experience symptoms, but I've become better at managing them. For me, finding a support network has been the most important part of managing the mental health challenges that come with Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD). It is very easy to feel alienated and helpless due to feelings of sadness and anxiety. I'm proud of myself for learning to cope with a chronic illness and developing the courage to be open about it. 

Being open about my condition, in both good times and bad, has lifted an enormous weight off my shoulders. It has stopped me from bottling up negative emotions. Getting involved with Crohn's & Colitis UK has been a fantastic way to connect with people who truly understand what it's like to live with these conditions. Sharing my story has been liberating and fulfilling, knowing that my experience might help others, just as others have helped me.

In the future, I hope to see greater awareness and support for people living with IBD from both the UK Government and the NHS. Crohn's & Colitis UK does a fantastic job of raising awareness and supporting those affected by the diseases, but I'd like to see more government efforts to support people with invisible conditions. I also want to see more funding to speed up diagnosis and improve access to treatment for IBD patients. That's why I'm so proud to be part of the campaigning community, pushing for IBD to be part of the national conversation.