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Amy Dowden is a professional dancer, who was diagnosed with Crohn's Disease when she was 19 years old.
Amy is now on her third series of the BBC's Strictly Come Dancing, and when she is not appearing on this hugely popular show teaching celebrity's how to dance, she is touring the country with her dancing tour, 'Lost in the Rhythm'.
Between bouts of illness, which started at the age of 11, Amy was determined to achieve her ambition to be a professional dancer. But a particularly bad flare at 19 led to her being referred to a specialist in London, where tests confirmed she has Crohn's Disease.
Having overcome childhood embarrassment, Amy has been very vocal about her Crohn's, sharing her experiences with Phil & Holly on This Morning around World IBD day 2019, as well talking about her condition to the media.
It was such a relief to finally receive a diagnosis. I just have to look out for the signs, which for me start with swollen eyes. Then I call my doctor. I have learnt to listen to my body, and to notice when things start getting out of tune. I know when I need to rest, and when I have to eat simply and drink lots of water. I have always been driven to win, so Crohn's was never going to hold me back.
Amy Dowden
Dancer, Strictly Come Dancing
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We know it can be difficult to live with, or support someone living with these conditions. But you’re not alone. We provide up-to-date, evidence-based information and can support you to live well with Crohn’s or Colitis.
Our helpline team can help by:
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