Glen’s Story

I’ve been actively managing my Crohn’s Disease for more than twenty-five years. I first received a diagnosis at age fifteen, and this year I’m turning forty – Yikes! As a young person through to adulthood I’ve lived through many different phases of this disease. Ranging from years of failed tests and spiralling poor health, to periods of quiet remission and careful maintenance.

I live with atypical structuring small bowel Crohn’s Disease of the upper ileum. Some of the challenges have included multiple years living with severe strictures, managing chronic pain, preparation and recovery for multiple small bowel resections, ever-changing deficiencies, joint pain and fibromyalgia, and differing levels of fatigue and brain fog. It’s also worth highlighting the lifestyle, career and relationship impacts, and the inherent mental health challenges, all of which can be part of living with IBD.

I’ve come to appreciate the outcome of these cumulative experiences is my disciplined and pragmatic approach to optimizing my health, which now holds me in good stead when navigating the different phases of this disease.

I’ve been successfully treated with biologics since 2011 including Infliximab, Humira and Stelara, but I know it takes so much more than medication alone. I strongly believe that a solid understanding of the role of diet and nutrition combined with disciplined lifestyle choices, and choosing the right treating team, all play a vital role in optimizing health. These components must be carefully tailored to suit each patient and their unique case of IBD to achieve the best possible outcome.

While we may not have a cure, we do have the opportunity to control many of the factors that exacerbate IBD. It’s my hope that by connecting with other IBD warriors and sharing our experiences we can all optimize our health and wellness, avoiding some of the pitfalls of this disease which can quickly become very complex if not managed correctly.